U.S. – Measure Aims to Expunge Federal Charges for Human Trafficking Survivors, Easing School and Job Barriers
Washington, D.C. — Families of human trafficking survivors could see long-standing federal criminal records wiped away under a new House bill designed to recognize crimes committed under coercion.
The “Trafficking Survivors Relief Act” (H.R. 4323), reported out of the House Judiciary Committee and placed on the Union Calendar, would let survivors ask federal courts to vacate certain non-violent convictions and expunge qualifying arrests if the conduct was a direct result of trafficking. It also creates a formal “human trafficking defense” for some federal charges, allowing survivors to show they acted under duress.
For parents, advocates say the changes could open doors that closed years earlier: school financial aid, college admissions, childcare jobs, and housing applications that rely on background checks. The bill requires courts to seal motions and related documents and bars agencies from publicly releasing information that identifies the survivor. Survivors would pay no filing fees, and judges could reduce existing sentences where trafficking played a central role.
The bill also orders federal reports tracking how often survivors seek relief and how prosecutors are trained to recognize trafficking indicators, with recommendations to improve access over time.
Families supporting survivors are encouraged to watch for final passage of H.R. 4323 and consult qualified legal aid before filing any request. Updates will be posted on official congressional and Department of Justice channels as the bill moves toward potential floor votes.
This article was produced by a journalist with the assistance of Ai. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
