Services for Victims
Metro DC ACTS helps victims gain access to federally-mandated benefits which help them rebuild their lives. These benefits enable them to participate in any possible criminal investigations or prosecutions of the traffickers. Under these circumstances, a trafficked person is eligible for:
Immigration Status
If a federal law enforcement agency determines that an individual has reported a trafficking crime and is a victim, the individual will receive temporary immigration status and a work permit. The federal authorities are granting the individual “continued presence” to remain in the United States to assist with the investigation and prosecution.
Provided the trafficked person has assisted with an investigation or prosecution,
and will suffer extreme hardship upon return to the country of origin, the
trafficked person is eligible to apply for a T Visa. A T Visa is three years
legal status with work authorization for the trafficked person and certain
family members. After three years, the T Visa holder and family members may
apply for a green card and eventually obtain citizenship.
Legal Rights
Trafficked persons may pursue a civil action against their trafficker and seek back wages through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Certification
Once an individual receives continued presence, receives a T Visa, or proves that s/he is working with state law enforcement authorities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extends “certification” that the trafficked person may receive refugee benefits. Minors are granted “eligibility letters” rather than certification.
Federal Assistance
Trafficked persons are eligible for refugee benefits and services for eight months from the date of their certification letter's issuance. The victim may elect to receive refugee cash assistance or participate in the match grant program. Refugee Cash Assistance provides victims with a cash allowance and English language training and job skill development for a period of eight months. Matching Grant is a Health and Human Services program carried out by private agencies. It provides intensive job and self-sufficiency training for a period of four months. If the victim is unable to find gainful employment after four months, s/he may carry on with Refugee Cash Assistance. All victims may obtain medical care through Refugee Medicaid.
Certified victims of human trafficking may apply for the non-refugee specific benefits and services. These include housing assistance, food assistance, income assistance, employment assistance, English language training, health care assistance, mental health assistance and assistance for victims of torture.
Click here for a table that details the provisions and eligibility requirements of each of these programs.
