My name is Jordyn Bain, and I am currently a third-year student studying International Affairs and Economics on a pre-law track. I am in the process of completing an Honors in the Major Project. I began my research in the fall, and with the support of the IDEA Grant committee and my research mentor, I will be pursuing the bulk of my research this summer.
My research pertains to human trafficking of foreign nationals in Florida. This project will analyze the international conditions that facilitate this, and the domestic policies that sustain it. Particularly, I will be looking at immigration and labor policies that inadvertently give traffickers power and prevent victims from coming forward. Throughout the summer, I will be reading cases and analyzing policies, but most importantly, I will be collecting qualitative data firsthand by interviewing various stakeholders. This includes legal experts, policy makers, local and federal law enforcement, and non-governmental organizations striving to provide victim support and prevent these human rights atrocities.
Overall, through my summer and this project as a whole, I intend to curate a comprehensive analysis of how human trafficking is perpetrated in Florida, with a specific focus on the policies that make foreign nationals especially vulnerable. This includes enhanced immigration detention and enforcement, which can affect victim identification and the willingness of victims to come forward. Develop evidence-based, actionable policy recommendations aimed at improving the prevention, victim protection, and prosecution efforts related to human trafficking. Lastly, and most importantly, I aim to raise awareness about human trafficking in Florida by producing research that is accessible, informative, and relevant to policymakers, advocacy organizations, and the general public.
My research this summer pertains not only to my academic goals but also to my personal and professional goals. I aspire to combine my interest in research and passion for advocacy as an international human rights lawyer. This summer will provide me with the opportunity to gain practical insight into advocacy strategies and policy engagement through mentorship and direct interaction with professionals in the field. This project enables me to interact directly with the mechanisms that both protect and fail vulnerable communities. This project particularly embodies my objectives as an advocate. In my opinion, advocacy involves more than just spreading awareness; it also entails taking deliberate action to bring about real change. I want to have a better understanding of how to effectively advocate for people who are frequently ignored or silenced by looking at the relationship between legislation, enforcement, and lived experiences.
Through this work, I aim to strengthen my ability to translate research into meaningful policy recommendations and to communicate complex issues in a way that is accessible to a broader audience. Advocacy requires both knowledge and empathy, and this project will challenge me to develop both. As I continue on my academic journey, I hope to carry these experiences forward into a career where I can actively contribute to shaping policies that prioritize human rights, accountability, and justice for all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status.
HSF House Blogs 