Polaris

Polaris is a nonprofit non-governmental organization that works to combat and prevent sex and labor trafficking in North America.

Boston Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking
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Boston Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking

BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted on sex trafficking and cocaine charges stemming from his alleged maintenance of a drug and sex trafficking hub operating out of a tent at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard (Mass and Cass).

VAWA Passage is Good News for Anti Trafficking Efforts
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VAWA Passage is Good News for Anti Trafficking Efforts

In March, the latest iteration of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was finally reauthorized after a delay of many years. This comprehensive response to domestic violence, stalking and other gender-based crimes is an important vehicle to help reduce and prevent human trafficking, hold traffickers accountable and support survivors. 

REVIEW: Award-winning “Groomed” short film about human trafficking
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REVIEW: Award-winning “Groomed” short film about human trafficking

Every day, everywhere, hundreds of thousands of children are being ‘groomed’. Will you be prepared when traffickers try to target you or your loved ones?

Human Trafficking on Euphoria and the Importance of Accurate Storytelling
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Human Trafficking on Euphoria and the Importance of Accurate Storytelling

It was a brief scene, almost a throwaway line, in an episode or two. But somehow, the writers of the popular HBO series Euphoria managed to get a lot right about how human trafficking actually works – while maintaining some serious dramatic tension. That’s the kind of nuanced storytelling about human trafficking we are hoping our new guide for entertainment writers, producers and directors, Telling the Real Story of Human Trafficking, will help spread.

Essential Resources for People Affected by Conflict in Ukraine and Afghanistan
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Essential Resources for People Affected by Conflict in Ukraine and Afghanistan

War and the fear, displacement, poverty and misery that accompany it are the perfect environment for human traffickers to operate. They offer jobs, shelter, transportation or to fill any of the other massive and multiplying unmet needs of individuals and families facing increasing desperation. While Polaris primarily works in North America, we also operate the…

Guest Worker Visas and Labor Trafficking: Weaknesses in the H2 Visa Programs
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Guest Worker Visas and Labor Trafficking: Weaknesses in the H2 Visa Programs

Exploitation is practically written into immigration and foreign labor policy Original document: March 12, 2022 We offer this article in audio form. It’s generated by a program; apologies for any weirdness. Introduction Where immigration policy and anti-human trafficking initiatives meet, loopholes are often created that allow for the continued exploitation and trafficking of foreign laborers…

Polaris CEO Named to Homeland Security Advisory Council
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Polaris CEO Named to Homeland Security Advisory Council

I am honored to be named to the Homeland Security Advisory Council under Secretary Mayorkas’s leadership. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is best known for its role in fighting terrorism, the work of this agency also sits at the very heart of the nation’s response to human trafficking. Within the Department, Homeland…

ATEST Recommendations on Improving Racial Equity in Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs
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ATEST Recommendations on Improving Racial Equity in Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs

March 15, 2022 • 5:09 pm • Terry FitzPatrick  March 15, 2022 Dr. Kari Johnstone Acting Director Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) U.S. Department of State Via email Re: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government Docket Number: Public Notice: 11648 Dear Dr. Johnstone: Thank you…

ATEST Recommendations for Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Implementation
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ATEST Recommendations for Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Implementation

Re: Public Comments on Methods to Prevent the Importation of Goods Mined, Produced, or Manufactured with Forced Labor in the People’s Republic of China, Especially in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, into the United States