Immigration, Migration, and Human Trafficking

Due to its geographic location and Christian stewardship, Baylor is strategically situated to lead collaborative efforts addressing barriers to human flourishing that precipitate high rates of migration. Baylor faculty members and students have already gained traction in harnessing research and scholarship to address the root causes of migration that hinder thriving communities on a global scale. Baylor in Latin America will provide an interdisciplinary center of gravity for academic engagement that seeks to understand the movement of populations across borders in ways that consider potential for individuals, families, and communities to flourish on a global scale. Baylor researchers also are studying the prevalence and impact of human trafficking on our state and nation. Through force, fraud, and coercion, individuals are being exploited as commodities. Working together, faculty, advocates, researchers, students, and alumni are raising awareness, providing support and changing laws and policies to combat this growing industry..

“The question for most of us is not whether we should stop traffickers, but whether we can. We are now seeing effective strategies that answer that question with a quantifiable and resounding ‘yes.’ Disciplined leadership in identifying and scaling what works could have a transforming impact on the lives of millions of human trafficking victims in the United States and across the globe.”

Victor Butros, BA ’98, Co-Founder Human Trafficking Institute