Human Trafficking
Instructions:
Choose one of these topics and write a persuasive argument. Make sure to include the cited pages. On a separate word document write together the Cover Page and Abstract for the persuasive argument. Also write in a different word document the References Page APA Style. It has to be at least 600 words.
Student Loans: A generation ago, the federal government opened its student loan bank to profit-making corporations. Since then, law by law, student debt has become the worst kind of debt for American students (best for banks and loan collectors). Student loans are not even allowed to be dismissed in bankruptcy. Consider some possible solutions: Permitting loan forgiveness, allowing bankruptcy, eliminating private collection agencies from this process.
Water/Environment: Last year, Americans bought more than 4 billion gallons of water in individual-portion bottles. The environmental impact to all those plastic bottles, made from non-renewable resources like natural gas and petroleum is a concern.eAlthough bottled water is 10,000 times the cost of tap water, consumers are reluctant to give up their bottled water. They feel bottled water is safer and convenient to carry around. In your thesis take a position for or against buying bottled water.
Human trafficking: The exploitation of human beings is a world problem, yet this form of slavery is not something that only occurs outside our borders. The United States Department of State estimates that between 14,000 and 18,000 individuals are trafficked into the country each year. The laws in place have not been helpful in controlling this kind of trafficking. Choose a position: More border regulation should/should not be in place to reduce human trafficking into the United States.
Fat Tax: More and more countries are adopting fat taxes (adding more tax to junk food and soft drinks) in an effort to curb rising obesity rates and also to offset the economic costs of obesity. Numerous studies suggest that as the price of a food decreases, individuals get fatter. Yet, since the poor spend a greater portion of their income on food, such a tax has been said to be regressive. In your thesis, take a position for or against the fat tax.
Terrorism: Determine what your position is with dealing with terrorists. Consider whether the United States should negotiate with groups that are religious or apocalyptic in their objectives, such as “Islamic State,” as opposed to groups that are political. Take a position: Negotiating with terrorists is appropriate in all cases, is never appropriate, or appropriate in some cases.
Drunk Driving: Taking away the licenses of drunk driving offenders has not proven successful (they drive anyway), so consider an argument for or against more stringent law enforcement, such as requiring ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders, sobriety checkpoints and whatever new technology or regulation could prevent drunks from continuing on the road while inebriated.
Teen Drivers: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death to 15 to 20-year olds. Teen drivers are three times more likely than drivers aged 21 and older to be in a fatal crash. Because of this, many states have adopted driver training courses required of teen drivers. Should we in Florida? Choose a position: All Florida citizens under the age of 21 should/ should not be required to pass a complete driving education course before receiving a license to drive.
Senior Drivers: Because of high accident rates and the increasing risk elderly drivers impose on roadway safety, advocates want drivers’ licensing requirements across the nation to become more stringent as drivers age. Choose a position: All citizens over the age of 75 should/should not be given yearly driving and vision exams in order to renew licenses.
Bike Paths: Decide on your position for or against using transportation taxes to build bike paths parallel to major roads. There are cyclists and drivers against bike paths, but the number of accidents happening in Florida have many citizens, drivers and cyclists among them, calling for paths to be built. Bike paths in the Miami community is a more focused topic, but you can use national arguments and examples from outside Miami.
School Shootings/ Gun Control: Choose a topic in which you you approve or disapprove of some kind of gun control policy specifically targeted to help eliminate school shootings (gun control, along with metal detectors, gun control targeted to mentally unstable families, etc.). Your topic and approach, whichever position you take, should offer solutions on what can be done about keeping students safe from school shootings.
Profiling: Balancing security concerns with demonstrating respect and dignity for travelers has been an issue since 9/11. Profiling should/should not be an accepted form of fighting terrorism in airports.
Daylight Savings Time: Many citizens have called for an end to Daylight Savings Time, which began in the United States during World War I, primarily to save fuel by reducing the need to use artificial lighting. Consider a persuasive argument topic for or against Daylight Savings Time.
Texting: The dangers of texting and talking on the phone while driving are well documented. How do we as a society address the use of electronic devices while driving in order to put the brakes on the fatalities that these distractions are causing on the roads? Will regulations interfere with citizens’ individual freedom? Choose a position.
Sexual Predators: In what ways and how should violators be caught and punished if preying on children on the Internet? Do you oppose or support certain forms of censorship to catch or prevent predators preying on children? If you are against regulating the Internet, then in what ways can parents protect their children? (Do not make this an advice article for parents. Write it in the third person, avoiding references to “I” and “You” altogether). Also consider: Should TV shows such as NBC’s “Dateline” series, “To Catch a Predator,” continue bringing attention to the problem of adults sexually preying on youngsters over the Internet?
Foreign Adoption: Over the past decade, the USA has adopted at least 15,000 children internationally each year. Due to less regulation, corruption and human trafficking, there have been considerable problems, and some countries have banned foreign adoption altogether. In addition, many children within the USA are in foster care, so some people want the USA to also ban foreign adoptions. Consider an argument for or against adopting children from foreign countries.
Solution
Human Trafficking
Abstract
The US has implemented numerous measures to curb human trafficking, but
the crime continues to impact the country and the world significantly. The US
Department of State points out that approximately 600 000 – 800 000 people are
victims of trafficking every year. Most of these people are women and children.
The in inability to address the issue raises concern over the effectiveness of
the measures/strategies in place. This essay argues for the enhancement of
border regulation to reduce human trafficking. It incorporates different
arguments from a comprehensive review and analysis of credible sources and
balances them by considering opposing points of view. The analysis shows the
effectiveness of enhanced border control and regulation in alleviating human trafficking.
Alleviating Human Trafficking through Enhanced Border Regulation
According to the FBI, human trafficking is the 3rd largest global criminal activity. Approximately 600 000 to 800 0000 people are trafficked annually, of which 80% are women and girls. The extent of the crime is even alarming when you consider that over 50% are underage (U.S. Department of State). Human trafficking promotes criminal activities such as forced labor, prostitution, mistreatment and domestic servitude among other human rights violations and crimes Hepburn and Simon (4). The US estimates that nearly 14 000 to 18 000 people are trafficked into the country across the border (U.S. Department of State). Despite the different measures set in place to curb human trafficking, the crime remains adamant, demanding the application of more stringent strategies. The existing laws are ineffective in addressing the issue and, therefore, there is a need for enhanced border regulation for the reduction of human trafficking into the country.
The enhancement of border is the right step towards the alleviation of cross-border human trafficking into the US. According to DeStefano (126), the US government must reconsider the existing laws if it wants to achieve significant success if curbing human trafficking. Despite the implementation of various strategies as guided by the existing anti-human trafficking laws, the number of people trafficked into the country remains considerably high. However, this is not to say that the laws are completely useless. The strategy implemented in the US and around the world for prosecuting, protecting, and preventing human trafficking has led to enhanced effectiveness in fighting the crime (U.S. Department of State). It is important for the government to place emphasis on prevention and protection to save the thousands of people trafficked yearly from the ordeal and trauma that comes with the practice. Success in the process can only be achieved through strict border laws.
According to Keo (77), more border regulation is necessary for preventing human smuggling. Stricter regulation should involve the suppression of irregular migration, stringent immigration laws, enhancement of border security, provision of border control, and the collection of intelligence on human trafficking. Keo (78) mentions irregular migration and unmonitored immigration as the major challenges in fighting human trafficking. Traffickers exploit these weaknesses and, therefore, the need for stricter laws. DeStefano (125) supports Keo and further suggests training of parts of the federal law enforcement agencies for the identification and protection of victims. The implementation of the strategy will minimize the cases of human trafficking. Further, the integration of technology and forging relationships with global police organizations, anti-human trafficking organizations, and governments will enhance the effectiveness of stricter border regulation and combat the crime.
The major arguments against enhanced border regulation are based on the cost and possible impact. DeStefano (127) argues that the ineffective implementation of stricter laws may influence further development of the crime through more creative means of trafficking. Hepburn and Simon (7) support the argument and posit that enhanced border regulation requires significant financing, which will cost the country significantly. That the implementation the effective implementation of the strategy promises to eliminate the third-largest global crime, related criminal activity, and fight human rights violations outweighs the financial cost, which according to Keo (78) is feasible. Additionally, the promotion of human rights is one of the fundamental international agendas, which remains a national and international priority. Effective implementation of border control will allow monitoring of all entry points to identify and direct victims to legal protection and minimize/eradicate human trafficking and related criminal activity.
In conclusion, the enhancement of border
control and regulation promises improved effectiveness in fighting human
trafficking into the US. The implementation of the strategy is important for
the prevention and protection of victims, and the prosecution of traffickers.
However, success in the process requires the integration of other measures to
ensure a comprehensive strategy. For instance, the government should enhance
border security, improve training, involve different organizations for the creation
of awareness on the crime, and work with the international community to curb
the crime. Additionally, there is a dire need to support and empower the
agencies and organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking. Most
importantly, since most traffickers exploit disadvantaged and vulnerable
communities, the government should support and involve local communities, NGOs,
and first-responders for the identification of uniquely vulnerable persons
within the borders.
Works Cited
DeStefano, Anthony M. The war on human trafficking : U.S. policy assessed. New Brunswick, N.J. : Rutgers University Press, 2007.
Hepburn, Stephanie and Rita J Simon. Human trafficking around the world : hidden in plain sight. New York : Columbia University Press, 2013.
Keo, Chenda. Human Trafficking in Cambodia. London: Routledge, 2013.
U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report. Washington: U.S. Department of State, 2016.
—. “Trafficking in Persons Report 2007.” 2007. U.S. Department of State. <https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2007/>.
