Something worth celebrating--William Wilberforce Act passes!

Last Wednesday, at 6 p.m., the Senate finally renewed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Thank you to all our Abolitionists out there who helped by sending letters and calling your senators to urge them in supporting the renewal of our anti-trafficking law with the original criminal provisions of the House version. Thank you for engaging the power of your voice and vote. Perhaps we're not too naive in pursuing abolition of modern-day slavery after all.

Best,

Kathy

the following is a letter from Trafficking in Persons Ambassador Mark Lagon
U.S. Anti-Trafficking Bill is Unanimously Reauthorized by Congress

On December 10, both the House and Senate passed the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008. This bill aims to strengthen the U.S Government’s tools for combating human trafficking abroad and at home. Internationally, it focuses on the annual Trafficking in Persons Report as a diplomatic tool to encourage foreign governments to increase efforts against modern-day slavery and on child soldiers. At home, the bill aims to enhance penalties for traffickers and better protect victims on U.S. soil – whether foreign nationals or U.S. citizens. Stronger tools at home help us immensely to serve as a model for the world as we urge and assist other nations to confront slavery.

The bill embodies Congressional commitment to abolish trafficking in persons. With support from a diverse coalition, including faith-based and feminist organizations, the U.S. Government will continue to be a global force for change against slavery.

T-Visa Holders Can Become U.S. Citizens!
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this week an interim final rule that will allow “T” and “U” non-immigrants to adjust their status and become lawful permanent residents. The rule implements provisions of the primary U.S. anti-trafficking legislation, and provides a pathway to citizenship for eligible victims of human trafficking.

“The action we are taking will further humanitarian interests by protecting victims of human trafficking and victims of other serious crimes,” said USCIS Acting Deputy Director Mike Aytes. “We also believe that law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute crimes is enhanced when we can provide important immigration benefits to victims.”

The victim-centered approach codified in the TVPA must be at the heart of all of our work in confronting human trafficking. I am pleased to finally see the promulgation of this regulation. It reinforces our goal to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore victims of trafficking – whether in commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, agricultural work or in factories.

Happy holidays to you and your families. May the New Year bring us more justice, fewer victims of exploitation, and renewed strength for all of us working to end slavery in our time,

Ambassador Mark P. Lagon
Director
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
U.S. Department of State
www.state.gov/g/tip
202/312-9639

Abolitionists in action in PA

Kelly, who heads up a Love146 taskforce in PA, is at it again with organizing a fun and creative awareness opportunity for her community. Her continued tenacity and refusal to allow the story of #146 to fade into the busyness and obligations of everyday life is an inspiration to me and our staff.

Check out this press release on her event:
Local Church Promotes Family “Movie on the Lawn” Because These Three Words Should Never Be a Reality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local physician assistant, Kelly Towers of Lancaster General Hospital hosts community gathering after returning last year from a tour of safe homes for liberated child sex slaves in South East Asia. “After meeting a five year old little girl who was able to smile again after she was set free from a brothel, I knew when I returned to Lancaster I had to help give these girls a voice. There are more children we can save.”

Mrs. Towers traveled to Thailand and Cambodian with the non-profit organization Love146 to witness first hand the detrimental effects child sex trafficking is having in South East Asia. Love146 works towards the abolition of child sex trafficking through prevention and aftercare. “There are millions of predators, millions of victims, and billions of dollars in this story,” says Rob Morris, president and co-founder of Love146 “but the problems should never be viewed through millions of people, but only through one child and once we see the eyes of one child instead of faceless millions, there is a call to action that demands a response.”

How can those in Lancaster County join the abolition movement? Mrs. Towers and other local Love146 task members have joined with Community Fellowship Church to host “Movie on the Lawn” on Saturday, September 6th at 7:30 p.m. The free community gathering will educate the public regarding efforts to combat child sex trafficking. A free outdoor showing of “Nim’s Island”(PG), hotdogs and popcorn will be provided. Just bring a blanket/lawn chair and your family. The gathering will take place at the church’s lawn located at 200 Bethel Drive in Lancaster. An indoor viewing of the movie will be held in the event of rain. To learn more about how you can help in the efforts to save the more than 27 million people currently enslaved around the world then contact Kelly Towers at 717-271-9112 today.