Bill Overview
Title: Increasing Human Trafficking Awareness Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand its Blue Campaign to increase the public's awareness of the signs of human trafficking by displaying appropriate signage throughout airports (including at airport security screening checkpoints), including indicator cards, fact sheets, pamphlets, posters, and brochures. The Blue Campaign is a program that coordinates DHS efforts to identify and prevent human trafficking.
Sponsors: Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Target Audience
Population: People vulnerable to or affected by human trafficking
Estimated Size: 2000000
- Human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions of victims worldwide, so increasing awareness can potentially impact a significant number of these individuals by aiding in prevention and identification.
- By focusing on airports, the bill primarily targets transit hubs, which are often used by traffickers to move victims; therefore, enhancing awareness in these locations could substantially impact trafficking prevention efforts.
- The Blue Campaign's expansion aims to engage the general public, making them more aware of trafficking signs and how to report suspicions, which could increase intervention rates.
- Airports are global gateways; thus, the increased awareness is not limited to domestic impacts but carries potential international benefits, affecting travelers and staff who move globally.
Reasoning
- Given the limited budget, the policy will have its strongest presence in major airports with significant passenger traffic, as these are the likely hubs where traffickers move victims.
- The target population of 2 million estimated people in the U.S. being vulnerable to or affected by human trafficking represents a significant but specific group. Awareness campaigns often rely on indirect measures like training staff to identify signs and using public engagement materials.
- The effectiveness of such campaigns can vary; skeptics might argue that without a direct intervention component, the policy's immediate impact could be moderate, potentially increasing over time as awareness leads to more reports and rescues.
- Targeting airports means that travelers, airport staff, and bystanders become part of the preventive network, potentially leading to earlier intervention, though there might be a slow uptake as individuals become more aware and confident in reporting.
Simulated Interviews
Flight Attendant (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can make a real difference because flight attendants like me are in a position to notice unusual behavior.
- I'm supportive of the extra training and materials; it's another tool for our safety measures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
TSA Officer (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's promising but requires a lot of training to be truly effective.
- It will make us more vigilant, which is good for everyone’s safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Non-profit Worker in Human Trafficking Prevention (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this help reinforce our message; the more awareness, the better.
- While it's a good step, I wish it included more direct resources for victims.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve seen the effects of trafficking; so much more needs to be done at a community level.
- This policy is helpful, but local action is crucial too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Airport Security Consultant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increasing awareness through prints is useful but needs a robust enforcement angle.
- It might be more effective if coupled with technology enhancements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Law Enforcement Officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The more eyes we have watching for trafficking, the more chances we have to stop it.
- It's great but needs consistent updates and training sessions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Airline Agent (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe awareness is crucial, and this policy will help me better assist suspicious cases.
- It's satisfying to work in a job that's making a difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
College Student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial that even travelers like me are aware of trafficking signs.
- I tend to notice more about people in airports, so I think this is a great initiative.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Frequent Business Traveler (Denver, CO)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think all travelers should be aware; we can make a difference if we pay more attention.
- This initiative could encourage more responsibility among passengers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Non-profit Director for Victims of Human Trafficking (Boston, MA)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Awareness is vital; however, funding for direct victim support is equally needed.
- This policy is a positive step, but not enough.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15500000 (Low: $12500000, High: $18500000)
Year 3: $16000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $19000000)
Year 5: $17000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Coordination between DHS and airline/airport authorities can impact cost and implementation efficiency.
- Regional differences in participating airports' costs (e.g., labor, material distribution) will affect overall budget needs.
- Ensuring the efficacy of awareness efforts, measured by increased reporting and identification of human trafficking, will determine cost-effectiveness.