When a group of six college-aged students were promised an opportunity to move to the U.S. to finish their college education, they were thrilled.

What they didn't know is that it was based on a lie. What awaited them was a life of exploitation.

My name is Josh Bailey, CEO of The Gray Haven Project, an organization that works directly with survivors of human trafficking in Virginia. This story is common among countless victims that are referred to agencies across the United States for services that give them the chance to rebuild their lives. However, there was a recent reduction in government funds that directly support victims of human trafficking and their families.

As a nation we have committed to protect and restore victims of human trafficking. This drastic reduction of services goes against that commitment.

Without additional funding this fiscal year, the number of victims served in the United States will diminish greatly. This means identified victims of trafficking will be turned away and those who can be served will get less support.

This will negatively affect thousands of trafficking victims. Will you ask President Obama and your Congress representative to provide additional funding to serve victims of human trafficking in the United States?

Thank you for adding your voice to this petition. Countless survivors that you will never meet will know that a united group of people stood behind them. You are the difference.

Joshua Bailey
CEO
www.thegrayhaven.org