Hostages at Golden Mountain: Chinese Human Trafficking to and within the United States

Abstract

Human trafficking has become a major illegal industry in recent years. This modern slavery takes a variety of forms, ranging from debt-bondage to sex trafficking. Trafficking in persons happens every day in every country. In this study, I will examine the phenomenon of Chinese human trafficking to and within the United States. There is currently very little ethnic research on human trafficking, let alone Chinese trafficking in particular. I will first explore existing research publications on the subject, and then examine its contribution to our understanding of Chinese human trafficking to the US. I will also evaluate what new research each work prompts. Next, I will describe my own case study of Chinese human trafficking in the San Francisco Bay area. I will discuss my findings, as well as suggest future research topics. Finally, I will examine what knowledge we have about Chinese trafficking and what knowledge we still lack. I will especially endeavor to show the need for continued ethnic research.