Linda Miller – Founder of Civil Society
Perhaps times have changed since the Pilgrims arrived in this country. Nowadays there is no guarantee that new immigrants to our country will necessarily encounter benevolent locals upon their arrival. Unfortunately, immigrants as a group may be vulnerable to the dangers of human trafficking. This inhumane practice finds its victims in all walks of life, but the isolated and disconnected are more vulnerable. Additionally, immigrants are often unaware of resources available to protect them, and may also hesitate to ask for help for fear of deportation. Of additional significance, the FBI recently listed Minnesota among the top 13 states for human trafficking of minors.
Civil Society is dedicated to connecting the victims of human trafficking to needed services, legal and otherwise. They provide legal services for victims of human trafficking and sexual assault, court advocacy, assistance with applications to the Crime Victims Reparations Board, as well as assistance with applications for Orders for Protection (OFP) & Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO). Civil Society is also the Coalition Leader for MN Rescue and Restore Victims of Human Trafficking. Their Equal Justice Legal Clinics also provide legal advice on matters including hate crimes, safety, crime victim reparations, VAWA self petitions, U-visas, T-visas, violence in the home, exploitation, problems with fraud, identity theft and crime related problems. Click here for more information. Also check out www.immigrationlawhelp.org for immigration-specific legal resources. A list of local agencies is also available here.
