One of the most difficult realities that face persons trafficked into forced labor, slavery, or servitude is the propensity of governments world wide to treat trafficked persons as criminals or unwanted undocumented workers rather than as rights-bearing human beings. The new U.S. trafficking law -- the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act 2000 -- is a positive step in the right direction. It offers substantial protections for trafficked persons. It recognizes all forms of trafficking into forced labor, slavery, and involuntary servitude, and it authorizes a temporary visa and permanent residence for trafficked persons who are willing to comply with "reasonable" request for cooperation and who would "suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal." Work authorizations are available; funding is provided to service providers; foreign aid is authorized for prevention and assistance programs abroad; and Federal personnel will be trained to identify and protect trafficked persons. This article discusses how members of the public and government officials at all levels can help to improve the situation of victims. Further, it recommends that governments form interagency working groups to ensure that all relevant actors work together to combat trafficking in humans. 5 notes