How Political Instability Affects Migration Crises and Refugees' Risk for Human Trafficking: A Chicago Case Study

“[A] student from the Congo, his mom, while she was fleeing their village, had to hide under a bush and birth him and then just … keep going” (F, 2r). Political turmoil in countries around the globe has dramatically increased the likelihood of forced migration among numerous populations,1 playing a role in their increased risk of victimization by human trafficking (HT).2 In recent years, Chicago, IL, has received an influx of migrants coming into the country at unprecedented rates, worsening issues such as acquiring legal status and inhibiting access to resources. This study explores the relationship between political instability, migration crises, and HT among asylum-seekers and refugees (ASRs) worldwide and in Chicago. Specifically, it focuses on ASRs who have been victimized by HT. Using qualitative data, this study utilizes the real-life experiences of agency members in Chicago who work with ASRs and gender-based violence (GBV) victims. Five major themes were identified using thematic analysis: At-Risk Circumstances and Revictimization, Experiencing Challenges Domestically, Shifting Cultural Norms, Path to Self-Sufficiency, and Finding Solutions. These findings have important implications for both refugee and GBV agencies in Chicago, including the need for increased resources, especially mental health services, (safe) housing, access to employment, and legal aid for ASRs living in Chicago.