The Politics of Combating Human Trafficking in the United States: A Policy Perspective

This book examines political responses to the problem of human trafficking, including proposals, actions (legislative and executive), and statements made by politicians, government agencies, and civil society organizations to solve or mitigate the crime of human trafficking. The objective is not just to recognize the nature and impact of human trafficking but to understand the approaches used or recommended to solve the problem and the motivations behind such strategies.

The issue of human trafficking has become particularly important given the charged environment regarding border politics. The book details the various policy options that have been proposed, supported, opposed, or passed by US politicians over the past five to ten years. This includes decisions made by presidents, legislators (national and state), agencies, and interest groups. Court decisions on human trafficking policies and media coverage of events are also explored.

This political analysis is designed to help readers understand what motivated the proposals designed to address human trafficking and the impact those policies had or are having. This book is ideal as a primary text for college courses in human trafficking and modern slavery or a supplemental text for a range of scholarly courses of study, including human rights, criminal justice, law, and political science. It is recommended for anyone with an interest in human trafficking and what might be done to stop it.

Nancy Marion is a Chair and Professor of Political Science at the University of Akron. Her research areas largely revolve around the intersection of politics and criminal justice. She is the author of numerous articles and books that examine how politics affects criminal justice policy.

Kimberly J. Hufgard is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Political Science Department at the University of Akron. Her research centers on human trafficking, exploring its complex intersections with media, policy, and societal impacts. Kimberly J. Hufgard is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Political Science Department at the University of Akron. Her research centers on human trafficking, exploring its complex intersections with media, policy, and societal impacts.