Lev Kobrin
08-18-2009, 01:40 PM
DOS Publishes Legal Rights Brochure for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
Posted Aug 16, 2009
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published a brochure (http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/questions_4413.html). to inform certain nonimmigrant visa applicants of their legal rights, and protect them from human trafficking and abusive labor practices. Congress required this notification to visa applicants under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-457). The new brochure:
· provides important information to ensure that nonimmigrants understand the legal protections that shield them from victimization
· answers some frequently-asked questions
· directs people to helpful resources, in the event they fall victim to abuse or human trafficking
Beginning with an overview of the nonimmigrant visa process, the brochure provides general guidance on workplace rights for domestic employees covered by A-3, G-5 and B-1 visas, H2A temporary agricultural workers, H2B temporary nonagricultural workers, and J-1 exchange visitors. It also addresses the rights of nonimmigrants, regardless of their visa statuses, such as the right not to be discriminated against, the right to be paid for work done, the right to be free from sexual harassment, and the right to seek justice in U.S. courts when these rights are violated.
The brochure also discusses human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery that is both egregious and criminal, characterized by violence, threats, fear, and abuse. Two toll-free hotlines are provided for nonimmigrant workers in need of help: the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 1.888.373.7888, and the Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force Complaint Line, 1.888.428.7581.
The DOS produced the new brochure in cooperation with the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS), Labor (DOL), and Health and Human Services (HHS). It is available on the website of the DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs (http://travel.state.gov/).
Posted Aug 16, 2009
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published a brochure (http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/questions_4413.html). to inform certain nonimmigrant visa applicants of their legal rights, and protect them from human trafficking and abusive labor practices. Congress required this notification to visa applicants under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-457). The new brochure:
· provides important information to ensure that nonimmigrants understand the legal protections that shield them from victimization
· answers some frequently-asked questions
· directs people to helpful resources, in the event they fall victim to abuse or human trafficking
Beginning with an overview of the nonimmigrant visa process, the brochure provides general guidance on workplace rights for domestic employees covered by A-3, G-5 and B-1 visas, H2A temporary agricultural workers, H2B temporary nonagricultural workers, and J-1 exchange visitors. It also addresses the rights of nonimmigrants, regardless of their visa statuses, such as the right not to be discriminated against, the right to be paid for work done, the right to be free from sexual harassment, and the right to seek justice in U.S. courts when these rights are violated.
The brochure also discusses human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery that is both egregious and criminal, characterized by violence, threats, fear, and abuse. Two toll-free hotlines are provided for nonimmigrant workers in need of help: the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 1.888.373.7888, and the Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force Complaint Line, 1.888.428.7581.
The DOS produced the new brochure in cooperation with the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS), Labor (DOL), and Health and Human Services (HHS). It is available on the website of the DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs (http://travel.state.gov/).