I have heard some disturbing recent news that some of the "houses" use illegal aliens, smuggled in for prostiution purposes.  These gals (usually asian) are given high hopes of making money and (eventually)gaining their freedom, after a period of "work" and "paying back the smuggler's "costs."  

The reports say that the typical "cost" is 10k, which the gal "works out" while she is here.  However, the hidden cost of upkeep, food, housing, clothing, transportation, and "supervision" or "administration" or "finders fees", etc. are tacked on, such that the gal is never able to buy herself out; a classic form of "slavery" (putting things bluntly).  Also, even if the gal makes her way out, she  is still an illegal alien, and subject to INS deportation, etc.  

Most of these providers don't speak english (or very little english) and are completely dependent on their smugglers for support.  Hence, there is nothing they can do about it.

While I vigorously support the "hobby", I am concerned that the hobbyiests are unwittingly contributing to this problem.  Part of the problem is the "illegality" of the trade in the first place, making it an easy (underground) "haven" for the smugglers; and no one to "blow the wistle" or do anything else about it.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?  I think its a real problem; and presents a strange dilemma for all of us.

The girls smuggled in nowadays are largely Russian or Eastern European. It's a huge, lucrative and low risk trade, and not restricted to the US.

Not really a response, but just something I find interesting.

Amongst some people I know, the idea that prostitution should be legal came up.  This one woman insisted that it would be a horrible idea, because making it legal would boost the "slave trade" you speak of, and increase the number of underage girls.  None of us could convince her that the problem _WAS_ that it's illegal.  So what's the 23-year-old going to do when the 14-year-old starts working?  Go to the cops and say "Hi Officer.  I'm going to confess to several crimes so that I can report that there's this 14-year-old I work with.  Why yes, I have actually seen a client with her.  Gee, you're arresting me now?"

What's wrong with legalizing the whole thing?  How much money is spent on prosecuting people involved in basically a totally innocent arrangement?  No victims; no criminals.  

Then you have the slave trade issues to make things worse.  I think Foo has hit the nail on the head; as long as this is "illegal"  the more likely it will attract and harbor the true "criminals" (smugglers, slave traders, drugs, organized crime, etc.)  (of course some would say that drugs should be legalized too).