Her organization was in a broad coalition that worked on the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a bill that received unusual bipartisan support in the US Congress last fall and has been called the first modern antislavery law. Ms. Jordan thinks that trafficking people, whether for sex slavery or other forms of labor, is an issue whose time has come. Since 1995, the group has offered public information, given protection to deported women after being forced into prostitution, and lobbied for more prosecution of traffickers. They give the women money and help for visas and plane fare, and cash to pass as tourists to immigration authorities. The time it takes to earn this money is usually longer than the duration of the visa, making the women illegal and more vulnerable.
Traffickers threaten their families back home if they disagree with terms.
Attorney Bill Cartwright of Chicago's Depaul University is leading the first study of trafficking women and children for prostitution in the Americas. He hopes to have results next year. Meanwhile, Viviana works odd jobs and volunteers at a center for special-needs children. I just wish my country offered more opportunities for women. We offer them for your additional research.