Human Trafficking As a Threat to the Security of Americans Lora Ann Mcdonald Walden University
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Human Trafficking as a Threat to the Security of Americans Lora Ann McDonald Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Political Science Commons, and the Public Administration Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Lora A. McDonald has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. David Milen, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Donald McLellan, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Lynn Wilson, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract Human Trafficking as a Threat to the Security of Americans by Lora A. McDonald MA, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2002 MBA, Saint Xavier University, 1997 BS, Saint Xavier University, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University September 2018 Abstract Human trafficking is a transnational crime that allows traffickers to abuse victims physically and mentally, as well as stripping them of their human rights. The United Nations theory of human security and Mendelsohn’s theory of victimology provided a conceptual framework to examine the harm that people endure from human trafficking. The purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explain how human trafficking threatens the security of people and communities. Reviewing data from the Department of State concerning trafficking led to the investigation of youth exploitation, the use of technology in advancing the growth of human trafficking, the health concerns of victims of communities, and the possible uses of money made by traffickers. The primary guiding question for this study asked, “How does human trafficking threaten the safety of people who live in communities and the security of those communities throughout the United States? Data were collected from articles and current information published by government agencies, news media, and non-governmental organizations. Data were analyzed after coding for themes and patterns using Braun and Clarke’s 6-step thematic analysis procedure. Findings indicate that victims live in fear, have lost their lives, are operating in plain sight but not recognized as victims, and endanger people living in local communities. The implications for positive social change include recommendations for collaboration among all stakeholders at the local level where traffickers operate in vulnerable communities, increase training of local law enforcement and healthcare personnel in identifying victims properly, and the development of awareness programs that reach people in local communities. Human Trafficking as a Threat to the Security of Americans by Lora A. McDonald MA, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2002 MBA, Saint Xavier University, 1997 BS, Saint Xavier University, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University September 2018 Dedication I dedicate this paper to my father, Mason Hughes, and my mother-in-law, Vera McDonald, who passed away before the completion of my work. They always believed in me and cheered me on in my journey to complete my education. During this journey, I became a caregiver for five adults with various health problems. My journey has been a long one, but I have learned so much about myself. I realize that mountains are difficult—but not impossible—to climb, and that I can do anything with God’s guidance. As a caregiver, I also recognize all caregivers everywhere. Caring for someone that needs assistance on a daily basis changes your life forever. Acknowledgments I appreciate the advice, patience, and support from my committee members, Dr. David Milen, my Committee Chairperson and Dr. Donald McLellan, my Committee Member and my University Reviewer Dr. Lynn Wilson, who have provided advice throughout my work on this dissertation. I would like to say thanks to Dr. April Reed, who has been my rock when I faced challenges in both my personal life and while writing this document. Dr. Reed had the special gift of listening to my issues and letting me know that getting through the process would be worth all the effort that I needed to put forth. I am grateful to my family, friends, and coworkers who allowed me to voice my frustrations to them when I felt tired, alone, and lost. These individuals provided me with encouragement and laughs when all I wanted to do was cry. Special thanks to Dr. Tanya Settles and Dr. Barbara Parker in helping me get on the right track after hitting a brick wall. I know that completing this dissertation would not have been possible without God, from which all of my blessings flow. Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................................... 1 List of Tables .................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures.................................................................................................................... v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study.............................................................................. 1 Background................................................................................................................. 4 Statement of the Problem............................................................................................ 8 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................. 11 Research Questions................................................................................................... 12 Conceptual Framework............................................................................................. 12 Nature of the Study ................................................................................................... 17 Definitions of Terms................................................................................................. 20 Assumptions.............................................................................................................. 21 Scope and Delimitations ........................................................................................... 23 Limitations of the Study............................................................................................ 24 Significance of the Study.......................................................................................... 24 Summary................................................................................................................... 26 Chapter 2: Literature Review........................................................................................ 28 Literature Search Strategy......................................................................................... 31 Conceptual Framework............................................................................................. 33 Causes of Human Trafficking....................................................................................... 40 Sex Trafficking ......................................................................................................... 46 Labor Trafficking...................................................................................................... 52 i Consequences of Human Trafficking ....................................................................... 54 Human Rights ........................................................................................................... 55 Crime and Economics............................................................................................... 58 Security ..................................................................................................................... 61 Public Health............................................................................................................. 64 International Effects.................................................................................................. 66 The United States’ Actions ....................................................................................... 67 Summary................................................................................................................... 74 Chapter 3: Research Method............................................................................................. 76 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 76 Research Design and Rationale ...............................................................................