The United States government estimates that up to 27 million persons worldwide are trafficked for the purpose of forced labor. Close to one million of these victims are children who are forced into the sex trade while other victims work under guard in sweat shops, as domestic help, and in agricultural businesses. Between 15,000 and 17,500 new victims are brought in the United States each year, making the United Statesone of the top three destinations for human traffickers.
On October 18, 2010, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law SB 657, the "California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010. Beginning in January 2012, the law will require manufacturers and retailers in California to ensure their supply chains are free of slavery and forced labor and that their policy be posted on their websites.
To bring further attention to an issue that is now growing faster than drug and weapons smuggling, two Inland Empire Assemblymen, Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) and Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) introduced ACR6, a resolution declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. ACR6 also names February 1 as "California’s Free from Slavery Day."
Donnelly is a Tea Party favorite, who as a former Minuteman, ran on a closed-border platform this past fall. Morrell, who also garnered some Tea Party support along with that of less-stringent conservative groups, included immigration reform as a part of his platform. A majority of those trafficked into the US come from Mexico and El Salvadorillegally.
“I am honored to join with my colleague to author ACR6 to draw awareness to slavery and human trafficking,” said Morrell. “This is one step to continue to fight the battle against human slavery and trafficking and let criminals know that we will stop human trafficking.”
“Human trafficking and slavery is a problem that has far-reaching effects in each of our communities,” continued Morrell. “It is crucial that we as Californian’s take a stand against this evil in our communities – we will not allow this to continue.”
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