Trapped: Working Without a Way Out

Trapped: Working without a way out 

Topic 

Labor Trafficking 

Overview 

Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from his home country and has several years of project experience. However, he struggles to find a U.S. engineering job due to differences in credentials and a lack of local connections. Facing financial pressure from student loans and the need to support his family, Taylor searches for new opportunities. 

He finds a civil engineering position with a U.S. construction company that appears professional and legitimate. The interview goes well, and everything seems promising. However, is the opportunity truly what it seems? 

Purpose 

To raise awareness about how employment-related vulnerabilities, immigration challenges, and false job opportunities can be used to exploit individuals through labor trafficking schemes.

Authors 

Authors: Byeol Park & Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, Ph.D. 

Illustrator: James Lopez 

Published: August 2026 

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