Human Trafficking, Illegal Immigrants and HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Human trafficking or “modern day slavery” has been the subject of increasing media and public policy attention. This single case study is an illustration of the complex policy and practice issues involving immigration, human trafficking, and HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases create ethical, legal, and economic dilemmas for health care practitioners serving undocumented immigrants. This paper provides an overview of policies impacting immigrants with HIV/AIDS, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, and potential “real life” implications of these policies. Suggestions for policy and practice that may provide both individual justice and protection of the larger society are offered. Health education, both domestic and on a global level, has potential to reduce the risks to both individuals and community public health.

Barriers and Facilitators Affecting the HIV Care Cascade for Migrant People Living with HIV in Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development Countries: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review

“…Fear was at the forefront of the individual-level barriers associated with linkage to care and initial treatment provision. Fear was most notably ascribed to deportation, 56 , 60 , 61 , 63 , 66 , 70 , 75 , 78 , 82 , 86 , 95 , 97 , 100–102 , 105 , 112 consequences related to disclosure of HIV status (e.g., loss of job, social isolation, stigma, and incarceration), 56 , 57 , 65 , 68 , 70 , 75 , 77 , 82 , 95 , 97 , 102 , 105 and negative effects from initiating treatment (i.e., potential side effects to health). 57 , 78 , 105 …”

“…Lack of proficiency in the host country's language among MLWH was the second most reported barrier impeding initial access to care and treatment at the individual level. 56 , 58 , 62 , 63 , 65 , 66 , 68 , 70 , 77 , 80 , 82 , 85 , 86 , 94 , 102 , 105 Language seemed to amplify navigation-related challenges in particular. 77 , 102 For example, physically navigating clinics and hospitals in North Carolina was made difficult due to lack of Spanish signage.…”

“…Fear was at the forefront of the individual-level barriers associated with linkage to care and initial treatment provision. Fear was most notably ascribed to deportation, 56,60,61,63,66,70,75,78,82,86,95,97,[100][101][102]105,112 consequences related to disclosure of HIV status (e.g., loss of job, social isolation, stigma, and incarceration), 56,57,65,68,70,75,77,82,95,97,102,105 and negative effects from initiating treatment (i.e., potential side effects to health). 57 Of the 59 retained studies, only 33 are presented where at least one item in the tool did not receive a ''Yes'' (i.e., studies that did not receive a perfect score are shown).…”

“…Lack of a social support system and resulting feelings of isolation were reported to impede both linkage to and retention in care and treatment. 80,82,86 Further, retention in care and treatment was negatively affected when MLWH experienced or perceived discrimination, threats, physical abuse, and unfair treatment due to their HIV status by family, friends, and community members. 86 Organizational-level barriers.…”