"Hidden in Plain Sight": Human Trafficking

Billboards and PSAs advocating "Hidden in Plain Sight," Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) newest program to raise awareness about human trafficking can be found nationwide.

ICE now has an "overall goal of preventing human trafficking in the United States by prosecuting the traffickers, and rescuing and protecting the victims," according to a November 2 press release.

Many victims of human trafficking are helpless and were promised a better life but are now trapped in a modern form of slavery; however, the public program aims to provide solutions that will bring relief to victims and help stop other crimes. Both solutions require participation from victims that will aid law enforcement in investigation and prosecution and are granted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

1. T Nonimmigrant Status (T visa):
- victims of human trafficking
- expected to comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement to investigate or prosecute human trafficking
- must prove that it would be an extreme hardship if removed from the United States

2. U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa):
- victims of human trafficking and/or rape, murder, sexual assault, abduction, prostitution, and various other related criminal activities
- "were helpful, are helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement" with investigation and prosecution of the crime
- have suffered substantial mental and/or physical abuse as a result of the crime

Immigrants holding a T or U Visa are eligible to apply for legal permanent residency after maintaining legal presence in the United States for at least three years. For more specific details, visit USCIS's Frequently Asked Questions section: T Visa or U Visa.