[Values-ethics] California Traffickking Bill : synopsis and coments

[Shaila Mistry]

  Hi All 
Thank you for all the emails of support and congratulations. I have worked hard on this for almost 1 year and am delighted that there are some good results. I like to see impact and I like to see our work improve the lives of those who in effect are forgotten.I will admit though that the process of research and writing the detailed reports was emotionally exhausting . There is still more to go.

  
Below is a synopsis of the Trafficking Bill. However, please note that we still have some more hoops for the bill to go through the legislative season. I will keep every one informed. The Governor would still need to sign it  by the end of August or / and has the power to veto.

The process of getting support for this Bill and writing the draft language 
and the coalition forming was quite a challenge. Of course to do any of this I had to learn  the complex structure of the legislative process in California.In this respect some of the deadlines are quite brutal. Next comes the lobbying and the letters of support . In the process I have produced a 40 page report on trafficking which will be ready for release as soon as I complete the proofing. 

I am glad to share any and all information and knowledge accumulated in the process.

 warm regards

Shaila Rao Mistry
etc
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California Trafficking Bill
  
Human Trafficking Victims - SB 1569 
  
SB 1569 ( provides access to critical services for immigrant survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes while they are waiting for processing from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 
  
Under existing law, immigrant victims of trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes are granted access to federal or state services once federal certification is complete. During the interim period, however victims with critical needs often do not have access to the services that could ensure their health and safety and thereby assist in their continued cooperation with law enforcement. Once an investigation into a crime is opened, it can take months for law enforcement or prosecutors to secure approval from the appropriate federal authorities; the Department of Homeland Security may take months to process the immigrant’s visa application; and some traumatized victims may need support in order to work effectively with authorities.
  
During this period, victims desperately need a safe place to live, immediate attention to their physical and mental health needs, and an opportunity to acquire skills so that they may move forward with the prosecution and their eventual adjustment of immigration status and employment. 
  

What the bill would do:
  SB 1569  would serve as a “bridge” for survivors of trafficking, helping a small number of persons in great need before they transition to existing state or federal services. The bill would clarify that during this interim period, these victims are eligible for state and local services, provided that they meet the general program criteria. 

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