Introduction: In the United States of America, human trafficking and prostitution are illegal. Human trafficking is the practice of recruiting or selling human beings for prostitution, forced labor or other forms of exploitation (human trafficking). The buying and selling of children began after the end of slavery in the 1860s, and since then it has become more prevalent. The government deemed selling people for profit unconstitutional as it was a violation of human rights. In the past, our government has not done everything it can to protect people from trafficking. Currently, laws are being passed to try to eradicate it and in the future, the government should work harder to end human trafficking and prostitution in the United States. States.Past: In the past, human trafficking and prostitution have not received the attention they deserve. Many people believe that this act did not take place in the United States, but this is not true. Human trafficking, while not as prevalent in the United States as in other countries, has nevertheless occurred throughout history. There is an ongoing debate about how human trafficking began. As Julie Wedam stated: “Some say the slave trade in which Africans were captured by slave traders and shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas, was the first human trafficking . Others argue that forced child labor during the 1700s was the true beginning of what is known today as human trafficking” (Human Trafficking and Culture). A third argument states that human trafficking began in the 16th century and was accompanied by the transatlantic slave trade. Through this, approximately 9.6 million people were brought from Africa to Europe and some countries in North and South America...... middle of paper ...... Google Books. Np, and Web. April 12, 2014. “Prostitution, trafficking and traumatic stress”. Google Books. Np, and Web. April 15, 2014.Territo. “International sex trafficking of women and children.” Google Books. Np, and Web. April 16, 2014.Tsin Yen Koh. “Human trafficking: overview.” Ebscohost.com. Np, and Web. “What are the prostitution laws in the United States.” Prostitution laws. Np, and Web. April 17, 2014. “When Prostitution Wasn't a Crime: The Fascinating History of Sex Work in America.” Alternet. Np, and Web. February 3. 2014. .