Tara Romano: Bill won’t stop trafficking

There is so much to dislike about the recently signed House Bill 318, including that it does little to actually protect North Carolina workers, name notwithstanding.

I also take exception to Gov. Pat McCrory’s labeling this bill as a tool to combat human trafficking. This appears to be an attempt to scapegoat the immigrant community for the problem of human trafficking, rather than showing any understanding of the factors that allow traffickers to target and exploit people.

Despite what Hollywood films may depict, human trafficking (both sex and labor) is more than just a shadowy global network of criminals. Traffickers come from all communities and are able to conduct their illegal activities because they know to prey on those already on the margins of our societies, who have little access to resources, support and justice.

HB 318 creates additional barriers between the North Carolina immigrant community and local governments, service providers and law enforcement, leaving them susceptible to those who would exploit this second-class status.

And while many separate sex from labor trafficking, those desperate and forced into work with exploitative employers are vulnerable to sexual abuse as well.

Unfortunately, HB 318 will likely make communities more vulnerable to human trafficking, not less.

This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Tara Romano: Bill won’t stop trafficking."