April 7, 2019
Ah Sou
Human trafficking
Allison Grijalva
This is a great article! I agree with some of the previous comments that it was a powerful choice to choose the story of someone who did not have a “happy ending.” It is extremely sad and scary to think about all of the women who have similar stories, and even experience this still today. The court’s ruling did not come as a surprise however. She was an immigrant, and it just goes to show how the U.S. tends to rule against immigrants despite circumstances.
13/09/2020
8:47 am
Genesis Vera
It is saddening to hear that her story ends after she gets on the Steamer but at least some of her story is now being told. This is a great example of how our justice system is not in accordance with the real world. The fact that the Trafficking Victims Protection Act was put into place in 2000 only showcases how behind our justice system is. I’m glad some attention was brought to this topic because I think it is one that many people feel uncomfortable talking about. Overall, the article presented an intriguing story.
17/09/2020
8:47 am
Yamel Herrera
This was a great article. It’s saddening to read that Ah Sou’s known story ends with her journey to Hong Kong, China via a steamer. I think the fact that her story does not have a “happy ending” allows the article to further emphasizes the reality of human trafficking victims. If it is difficult for U.S. citizens who are victims of human trafficking to get justice, it is even more difficult for immigrants to be granted the same protections. Although we do not know more of her story, it is admirable to know that Ah Sou was courageous enough to speak up for herself when no one else would.
26/09/2020
8:47 am
Eric Grant
I can only imagine how Ah Sou felt throughout her journey here, only to be deported in the end. A lot of people forget the xenophobic sentiments felt towards Chinese immigrants for example by the Chinese Exclusionary Act of 1882. The saddest part in my opinion is how this is still common in many parts around the country today. Ah Sou’s story is eye-opening and sheds light on the ineptitude of the United States to deal with sex-trafficking.
09/10/2020
8:47 am
Aleea Costilla
Great article! This is a tragic story of how the system failed to protect an immigrant that was exploited and in turn deported for her status. But the awareness that was given to show this is still an issue in the world, especially in China, is much needed to understand how the United States can improve the circumstances for those alike Ah Sou. Unfortunately, she never had a successful story because the laws at the time did not accommodate to her situation.
11/10/2020
8:47 am
Shriji Lalji
I am shocked at how easily someone can just go get an orphan from china and exploit the orphan for anything. It is disappointing that we have universal human rights but they are not honored in many cases. I applaud Ah Sou for fighting her cases and appealing them. However I would have liked to see the courts stand up for her in the end. Despite trafficking continuing to have a significant impact on many lives, there has been little change.
11/10/2020
8:47 am
Madeline Chandler
Such an informative and interesting article! Very captivating. Honestly I am unfamiliar with the story of Ah Sou, like many others. However I am always fascinated by how she stood up for her human rights. I honestly do not have much knowledge on stories like this, but do think the United States has the ability to create a difference for people from similar situations. This was such a transition for people and countries regarding immigration and deportation statue. I loved reading your article. Great job.
11/03/2021
8:47 am
Trenton Boudreaux
A tragic fact of life for immigrants in the Gilded Age. A fascinating if not depressing read, it is fascinating how Ah Sou was so determined to remain in the US. Although, given the situation in China, it is not surprising. I wish that one day we can find more records for what happened to Ah Sou after being sent back to China, but I fear that day may never come.
28/03/2021
8:47 am
Mohammed Hani Shaik
Great Article! This incident shows some of the major flaws in the system that allowed for the exploitation of so many people. We may think that this is a story of the past and that things have gotten better but reality is that we are in no way a better state than the 1900’s and in fact might be even worse off. I say this based off the exploitation of the uighur muslims in China.
28/03/2021
8:47 am
Kayla Mendez
Although there are stories of women surviving the effects of being sex trafficked, I appreciate the author’s decision to choose a story without a “happy ending”. We can only hope that Ah Sou took what she learned from The Home for Chinese Women and Girls and used it to make a stable life for herself. To endure such a thing, and still face the man that hurt her took strength hat I don’t even think I have. The prevalence of sex trafficking today brings even more importance to this story, for these situations didn’t just occur in the past, they are occurring today in countries all over the world.
30/08/2020
8:47 am