Cincinnati: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) invited expert, experienced, and eloquent Harold D’Souza to educate community members on Human Trafficking Prevention; Stopping it before it starts.
This horrendous epidemic is a rising problem globally. NURFC organized this event by inviting high profile speakers Rosanne Hountz, President and Co-Founder of Josephine’s clinic, Erikka Durdle, Regional Coalition Specialist of End Slavery Cincinnati, and Harold D’Souza of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.
Harold D’Souza spoke of the resources available to victims of labor trafficking in America especially foreign nationals, of Continued Presence (CP) status being issued to eligible victims. Immigrant victims can apply for U Visa and T Visa. This eventually will transform into Permanent Residency i.e. Green Card. Absolute freedom for all victims to livea happy life without fear.
Continued Presence (CP) is a temporary immigration status provided to individuals identified by law enforcement as victims of human trafficking, reflected Harold D’Souza.
Anti-trafficking organizations and activists fight this oppressive system using the three “P’s”. Protection, Prosecution, and Prevention. Prevention is often referred to as “The Forgotten P” due to the fact that most nonprofits focus on protecting victims and survivors and prosecuting perpetrators. Effective prevention of both sex and labor trafficking involves the participation of diverse sectors of society including health care, education, the nonprofit sector, law enforcement, government, survivor-advocates, and community members.
Harold D’Souza shared; “America is the destination, but India is the source”.
Harold is focused on prevention through education in India, by sharing his own journey from slavery to freedom. Entering America legally is ‘HEAVEN’, but entering America illegally is ‘HELL’, said Harold D’Souza.
“Immigrants coming on B1B2 Visa, C1/D Visa, F1 Visa, H1B Visa, and other types of visa should carefully read the rules, restrictions, and regulations before even thinking of defaulting. Perpetrators misguide individuals coming on B1B2 Visa to overstay, which leads to victimization and human trafficking. Immigrants coming on C1/D Visa should never stay back in America, as this visa can never be corrected, even if you get married to an American citizen. Most important never ever think of coming to USA by paying an agent in India without Visa approval as this is a clear case of paying for your own death in advance,” said outspoken Harold D’Souza.
Harold D’Souza Co-Founder of Eyes Open International, recently appointed Hriday Raval, as Regional Director, India. More information on prevention can be gained by visiting; www.eyesopeninternational.org.
If you see something, stop everything, say something by calling 1-888-373-7888 at National Human Trafficking Hotline Number in USA. Harold D’Souza from Bajpe, Mangalore is working to start a Maanav Shoshan Hotline Number in India.
