Date of Graduation

Spring 5-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Migration Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Migration Studies

First Advisor

Bill Hing

Abstract

The Office of Trafficking in Persons grants child eligibility letters to foreign national minors who have been confirmed victims of trafficking. These OTIP Eligibility Letters provide recipients with public benefits to the same extent as a refugee but do not grant protection from removal or pathways towards legal permanent residence. Additionally, many OTIP recipients have unaccompanied minor status in the United States. In order to capture the experience of OTIP recipients, this research explores existing literature on trafficking trauma and migration stressors/ trauma. Additionally, this research identifies international and national legal frameworks to define trafficking and acknowledge the responsibility that the United States has towards these adolescents.

In order to contribute to the existing literature and provide program recommendations, using a Legal Violence lens and a Trauma-informed Social Policy lens, this research incorporates a qualitative thematic analysis through five structured interviews with legal and social service professionals who provide services to OTIP recipients/unaccompanied minors. My experience as an advocate for OTIP recipients is also incorporated throughout this research. A Legal Violence lens, as envisioned by Menjivar and Abrego, was used to capture challenges that these adolescents face within the three spheres of life: family, school, and work to identify the inherent violence that immigration laws have on undocumented persons. A Trauma-informed Social Policy lens presented by Bowen and Murshid was used to identify the six core elements of trauma-informed care (safety, empowerment, choice, collaboration, trust/transparency, and intersectionality) within the current OTIP program. The findings suggest that OTIP recipients experience challenges in their family dynamics, often struggle to live with their sponsor, and may experience discomfort and unsafe living conditions, which can lead to seeking unsafe, exploitative working conditions. As it relates to school, many of these adolescents experience language and cultural barriers. The findings also suggest that while some elements of trauma-informed care are present within the current OTIP Eligibility Letter program, they are not being executed effectively. The findings demonstrate a lack of transparency when trying to obtain benefits, which fractures the trust of recipients. The findings also identified a lack of collaboration between all stakeholders that hinders safety and empowerment.

The program recommendations were created under the influence of a Trauma-Informed Social Policy lens which argues that trauma-informed care can be reflected in policy to promote healing and eliminate retraumatization for individuals who have experienced trauma. The first recommendation seeks to improve access to public benefits and educate relevant stakeholders in this stage of obtaining benefits. The second recommendation aims to increase transparency, collaboration, accountability, and program oversight. The third recommendation aims to spread awareness and promote community involvement and education about OTIP Eligibility Letters and human trafficking to individuals and systems that encounter unaccompanied minors throughout the third stage of migration. This research seeks to raise awareness of trafficking and OTIP Eligibility Letters, educate, and provide an outline to ensure accountability so that recipients are given the space and tools to heal, feel empowered, and lead self-sufficient lives.

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