IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard gbullard@imls.gov
Washington, DC—As part of their partnership to provide resources for public librarians, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present a webinar on Human Trafficking Prevention and the Blue Campaign on February 23. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign and USCIS will discuss the resources and tools available to help combat human trafficking that librarians can help distribute in their communities.
Human trafficking occurs when criminals and criminal organizations lure victims into involuntary labor and commercial sex trafficking and then exploit them for pure profit. Even in its simplest form, human trafficking is a brutal crime that causes immense suffering and can end in the victim’s death.
The Blue Campaign is a Department of Homeland Security unified anti-human trafficking campaign in which various components coordinate and unite efforts to raise awareness and combat human trafficking while providing victim assistance. Every year, DHS initiates hundreds of investigations, makes arrests, and uses the T and U visas to protect victims. USCIS officers work to adjudicate these visa cases that enable victims to stay in the United States. USCIS also educates the public and state and local law enforcement on how to identify victims of human trafficking and report the crime.
Under the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act of 2003, IMLS is authorized to engage in cooperative efforts to promote the understanding of modern day practices of slavery throughout the world.
Visit the Blue Campaign website to learn about how to identify victims, how you can join the fight, and how USCIS and DHS are already combatting this terrible crime.
Webinar Title: Human Trafficking Prevention 101: An Overview for Public Libraries
Date and Time: Monday, February 23, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EDT
To register for this session, please follow the steps below:
- Visit our registration page to confirm your participation
- Enter your email address and select “Submit”
- Select “Subscriber Preferences”
- Select the“Event Registration” tab
- Be sure to provide your full name and organization
- Complete the questions and select “Submit”
You must register by Friday, February 20, 2015. Once your registration is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with additional details.
If you have any questions about the registration process, or if you do not receive a confirmation email within two business days, please email USCIS at Public.Engagement@uscis.dhs.gov.
This series was developed as part of a partnership between IMLS and USCIS to ensure that librarians have the necessary tools and knowledge to refer their patrons to accurate and reliable sources of information on immigration-related topics. To find out more about this partnership and the webinar series, visit the Serving New Americans page of the IMLS website.
Note to Media: This engagement is not for press purposes. Please contact the USCIS Press Office at (202) 272-1200 for any media inquiries.
For more information about USCIS and their programs, visit www.uscis.gov or follow them on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook (/uscis), and the USCIS blog The Beacon.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.