Dear John,

Recent headlines have reignited public attention around human trafficking, and with the help of Polaris supporters and anti-trafficking advocates, we have an encouraging milestone to share: The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) just cleared the House Judiciary Committee last week — an important step forward on the path to becoming law!

Thanks to the advocacy of survivors and allies — including your calls and letters to Congress — we are one step closer to passing the first federal law acknowledging that human trafficking survivors should not be punished forever for certain acts committed under the duress of force, fraud, or coercion. Such unfair permanent criminal records make it virtually impossible for survivors to get housing, a job, or education. Without relief, survivors are trapped: Instead of being able to build long-term stability, we have to re-expose our trauma and take work that re-exploits us to survive.

Passing the TSRA would give survivors a true exit ramp from this cycle — and you can help us build momentum. Next, the bill goes to a full House vote, then on to the Senate. To make sure it gets signed into law this year, we especially need to get more Senators on board.

Every time we have called on our community to support the TSRA, you have answered the call. So we’re calling once again: Please ask your U.S. Senators to support and co-sponsor this historic legislation! 

We can’t thank you enough for helping us reach this point. Now let’s get the TSRA passed — and give survivors a pathway to clear their federal records and take another step not just toward survival but to freedom!