Sex trafficking of foreign females into the U.S. for forced prostitution: an analysis of public policy in the United States

The transition from the 19th century to the 21st century has brought an increase in the crime of sex trafficking of foreign females into the United States. Traffickers forcefully engage these females into prostitution with the purpose of making a financial profit that results in thousands of dollars. Unmistakably, foreign females suffer from physical and mental problems throughout the process of being trafficked. The United States responded to this problem in 2000 with the passing of the Trafficking and Violence Protection Act which intended to provide services to victims and prosecute sex traffickers. After analyzing the details and effectiveness of the TVPA the results indicate both successful and ineffective outcomes from this policy. Hence, Sweden’s and Germanys approach towards sex trafficking is explored and discussed as alternatives. Sweden has made it illegal for males to buy sex from prostitutes while Germany has legalized prostitution. Several recommendations are provided in this policy analysis to improve the United States TVPA policy such as implementing a hybrid policy by combining the Sweden and German approaches towards sex trafficking and prostitution. Moreover, it is recommended to establish a sex trafficking registration system and create a television channel to increase public awareness on this problem. Most importantly, it is vital to recognize that much more research is needed in the future to have a clear picture of sex trafficking with accurate information and statistics. The recommendations put forward in this policy analysis are ultimately intended to gradually reduce sex trafficking of foreign females in the United States.