City Club Cleveland Forum | Human Trafficking and Immigration

On Wednesday, January 26th, the City Club of Cleveland hosted the annual [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″] Endowed Forum on Foreign-Born Individuals of Distinction.

Mr. Gordon Landefeld, Marketing Manager at [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], introduced the forum titled “Human Trafficking: The Intersection of Race, Gender, and the Law.” This was an appropriate topic since many victims of human trafficking—both sex and labor—are immigrants to the United States.

The program featured a panel discussion moderated by Professor Milena Sterio of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Panelists included Ms. Kirsti Mouncey, President and CEO of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, and Ms. Yasmin Vafa, Executive Director of Rights4Girls, who is herself foreign-born.

During the discussion, panelists reviewed progress in identifying and supporting victims of sex trafficking. However, they stressed that much more needs to be done. Additional resources and stronger partnerships between public and private agencies are essential.

Although sex trafficking affects men and women of all backgrounds, we were glad to hear an important point. A disproportionate number of victims are women of color—a fact that must guide future solutions.

Due to time constraints, the number of foreign-born victims was not discussed. For readers interested in this issue, we recommend reviewing reports that examine this topic in detail.

Why the City Club Cleveland Forum Matters

The City Club Cleveland Forum raises awareness about human trafficking and its intersection with race, gender, and immigration. These conversations are vital for creating effective solutions and protecting vulnerable communities.

If you or someone you know needs help with immigration support, call us today. We’re here to assist you.