NEW YORK — The arrest of an Indian consular official in New York accused of forcing her maid to toil for little pay has highlighted a problem advocates say is all too common — workers for foreign governments who bring along the baggage of human trafficking to the U.S.
Anti-trafficking lawyer Dana Sussman says the claims of abuse are made against international workers of all levels. She is representing the housekeeper.
The most recent case has caused tension between the U.S. and India. The country's deputy consul general in New York was arrested on charges accusing her of lying on a visa form by stating she paid her housekeeper $4,500 a month, but actually paid her less than $3 per hour.
She has denied the charges.