Trafficking Survivors Relief Act Signed into Law as Survivor Advocate Announces Presidential Pardon

Survivor and congressional witness, Hollie Nadel, reflects on personal relief and life-changing legislation for trafficking survivors

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, human trafficking survivor and advocate, Hollie Nadel, announced that she has been granted a presidential pardon, just as the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (H.R. 4323) was signed into law, marking a profound moment of personal legal closure and a significant step forward for survivors nationwide.

The bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC-7), establishes a federal process to vacate convictions and expunge arrest records for certain offenses committed by trafficking victims as a direct result of their exploitation. For survivors, criminal records tied to coercion and abuse often remain long after their escape, creating lifelong barriers to employment, housing, education, and financial stability.

According to the International Labour Organization, human trafficking generates an estimated $236 billion annually worldwide, with a substantial portion moving through legitimate financial systems. Many victims are forced into financial crimes by their traffickers. When victims are not properly identified, they are often arrested and prosecuted, leaving them punished for crimes they were forced or coerced into committing.

Hollie Nadel, who testified before Congress in support of the legislation, is a survivor of both labor and sex trafficking. After graduating cum laude from Ithaca College and in her early twenties, she was trafficked for eight years and forced to commit financial crimes through violence, threats, and coercion, including threats against her family. She ultimately escaped her traffickers only after being arrested.

Today’s announcement of her presidential pardon brings closure to a chapter of her own story—but she emphasizes that pardons alone are not a solution for most survivors.

QUOTE FROM HOLLIE NADEL:

“I am deeply grateful to the White House for my pardon and for the individuals who took the time to truly see me, believe me, and act with courage and compassion. This pardon has given me justice and the ability to fully move forward, and I do not take that lightly.

At the same time, I know how rare this outcome is. Most trafficking survivors will never receive a pardon. That is why the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is so critical. Vacatur and expungement is what allows survivors to truly rebuild—to work, to live, and to heal without lifelong punishment for their experience of exploitation.

This law changes lives. It helps ensure that victims are no longer treated as criminals and that justice begins to reflect the reality of trafficking.”

Despite receiving a pardon, Hollie Nadel will continue to advocate for survivors who remain burdened by convictions tied directly to their trafficking—many of whom lack access to legal relief or recognition as victims.

She also expressed gratitude to those who made both milestones possible.

“I cannot possibly name every person who supported me along the way, but I am profoundly thankful to the following whose support helped me see justice through a Presidential Pardon:

President Donald J. Trump; Alice Marie Johnson; Sean Hayes; Ifrah Law; Womble Bond Dickinson; Mercedes and Matt Schlapp and Frank Russo, CPAC (The Conservative Political Action Committee; Congressman Smith and staff Mary Noonan and Mary Vigil; Martina Vandenberg and Kee En Chong, The Human Trafficking Legal Center; Ashlie Bryant and 3Strands Global Foundation; Sarah Byrne and Moore & Van Allen; Robin Hassler Thompson and The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center; Megan Lundstrom and Polaris; Anne Basham; Alexandra Bailey; Daniel Lerner; Mauri Gray; Molly Oswaks; Erin O’ Loughlin and ACFCS (Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists); U.S. TIP Ambassadors John Richmond; Cindy Dyer; Susan Coppedge; Luis C. deBaca; countless survivor leaders; Anti-Trafficking Leaders; and, of course, my incredible family, whose unconditional love and steadfast support carried me through every step of this journey. Their strength and belief in me made this moment possible, and I am forever thankful.

Thank you to all the bill sponsors whose bipartisan leadership made this critical piece of legislation a reality: Reps Russell Fry, Ted Lieu, and Ann Wagner, Sen. Gillibrand, and Sen. Hyde Smith.”

The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act was signed into law during National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, reinforcing the urgency of survivor-centered, restorative justice policies.

NOTE: Hollie Nadel is not available for interviews at this time but can provide additional written statements upon request.

Contacts

Cari Brunelle

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