“I would like to tell other domestic workers who are suffering as I did – you have rights and do not let anyone exploit you.” – Sangeeta Richard

 “When I decided to come to the United States, my hope was to work for a few years to support my family and then return to India.  I never thought that things would get so bad here, that I would work so much that I did not have time to sleep or eat or have time to myself. Because of this treatment, I requested that I return to India but that request was denied.” – Sangeeta Richard

Safe Horizon applauds the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York for indicting Ms. Khobragade on charges of visa fraud and making false statements in connection with her treatment of our client. This indictment demonstrates the seriousness with which the US government treats labor exploitation.

“I hope that this case sends a clear message to diplomats and consular officials that the U.S. will not tolerate the exploitation of workers and marks the beginning of an increase in prosecution of these cases,” Avaloy Lanning, Senior Director of the Anti-Trafficking Program at Safe Horizon.

Unfortunately, Sangeeta’s story is tragically common. Safe Horizon has seen a number of cases over the years involving diplomatic employers and exploitative labor conditions for their domestic workers. Workers who come to the U.S. deserve safe and fair working conditions regardless of their employer.

We hope that this case encourages individuals in similarly exploitative situations to come forward. There are wide networks of resources available to survivors of labor exploitation. Organizations like Safe Horizon are committed to providing support, services, assistance, and help to victims and continuing to help exploited people of all ages, genders and immigration statuses. 

“I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who has supported me through this process.” – Sangeeta Richard