Ascend is proud to share a historic victory, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (H.R. 4323) has officially been signed into law. The bill establishes a process that allows human trafficking survivors to vacate convictions and expunge arrest records for offenses committed as a direct result of their exploitation.This milestone is especially meaningful for Ascend because for several years we have led the national coalition advocating for this legislation, working alongside survivors, service providers, legal experts, and bipartisan champions in Congress to ensure that survivors can rebuild their lives without the lifelong burden of criminal records tied to their trafficking.
The bill’s passage is also remarkable in a broader national context. Congress passed only about 40 bills in all of 2025, one of the lowest annual totals in modern history. In a year of historically limited legislative movement, the success of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act underscores the strength, persistence, and unity of the survivor‑advocacy community.
You can read the official White House announcement here.
Ascend celebrates this moment with deep gratitude for every partner who helped make it possible, and with renewed commitment to ensuring that every survivor has the opportunity for justice, dignity, and a fresh start.
