Historical Overview and Demographic Analysis of Human Trafficking in the USA

International Journal of Public Law and Policy, 5(3): 219-248, 2015

44 Pages Posted: 24 Jul 2016 Last revised: 23 Jan 2018

See all articles by Hannah Russell

Hannah Russell

Texas A&M University (TAMU), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural Economics, Students

Murphy Smith

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi-Department of Accounting

Date Written: 2015

Abstract

Understanding factors that may be connected to human trafficking in the US can help people in the US and other nations better understand and combat the problem. A better understanding of human trafficking can benefit anti-trafficking efforts of public administrators in governmental agencies and private citizens in non-governmental organizations. Prior research has examined various countries regarding human trafficking on a national or macro level. This study extends prior research by examining the role of human trafficking in the United States on a state level. In addition, a brief history of slavery, from past to present, is presented, including public and private sector efforts to combat the problem. Among notable historical efforts to end slavery are those of William Wilberforce and his Christian allies in the British Parliament in the early 1800s, the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 by U.S. President Lincoln, and current efforts by Christian-based organizations such as International Justice Mission and World Relief. Findings of the demographic analysis indicate that locations with higher rates of corruption and higher population are associated with higher rates of human trafficking per capita. Anti-trafficking efforts, in the US and other countries, could be more effective by focusing on such areas.

Keywords: Human trafficking, public policy, public administration, International Justice Mission, World Relief, Faith Alliance against Slavery and Trafficking

JEL Classification: A13, A14, E2, F66, M14

Suggested Citation

Russell, Hannah and Smith, Murphy, Historical Overview and Demographic Analysis of Human Trafficking in the USA (2015). International Journal of Public Law and Policy, 5(3): 219-248, 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2812900

Hannah Russell

Texas A&M University (TAMU), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural Economics, Students ( email )

600 John Kimbrough Blvd
College Station, TX 77843
United States

Murphy Smith (Contact Author)

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi-Department of Accounting ( email )

6300 Ocean Dr
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
United States

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