Forced Labor in the Heartland

A federal jury found a wealthy suburban couple guilty Friday of harboring an illegal immigrant and forcing her to work as their maid for 19 years. The Filipino national testified during the eight-day trial that she felt like a prisoner in Jefferson and Elnora Calimlim’s home. The couple was found guilty of harboring an illegal immigrant for financial gain, conspiracy to harbor an illegal immigrant for financial gain, forced labor and attempted forced labor. Elnora Calimlim testified Martinez earned $150 a month for the first 10 years and $400 a month thereafter. Most of the money went to Martinez’s parents, who French said received about $18,000 over the 19 years. Martinez would have earned about $480,000 over that period had the Calimlims paid her a U.S. minimum wage for her 16-hour days, a U.S. Department of Labor witness testified.

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Unfortunately, stories of forced labor are on the rise.  And, despite what the media suggests, the instances are not limited to the sex industry.  Rather, forced labor has arisen in homes, the garment industry, agriculture, and many other industries.  For a full analysis of the human trafficking industry, make sure to check out Jennifer Chacón’s article on “Human Trafficking” that will be published any day by the Fordham Law Review.

KJ