President Biden has talked about fighting for justice, redemption, and the power of second chances many times. Well today, he’s proving just how much he stands by all of that.
On Thursday, he announced the commutation of prison sentences for nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others, marking the largest act of clemency in a single day in modern presidential history.
These 1,500 folks had been serving lengthy sentences that, under today’s laws and practices, would have been much shorter. Many of them found themselves behind bars due to non-violent drug offenses committed when they were just teenagers or in their early twenties. However, the pandemic shifted the narrative; while confined at home during COVID, these individuals began to reintegrate into their communities successfully. As many are aware, around that time, prisons were bad for spreading the virus and some inmates were released in an effort to stop the spread.
In addition to these significant actions, Biden has also taken steps to pardon individuals convicted under federal law for simple marijuana use or possession, along with LGBTQ+ persons convicted for their sexual orientation while serving in the military.
Before he heads out, Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”
He added, “My administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.”
As positive as this is, Biden’s earlier decision to issue a blanket pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who faced gun and tax charges, has still drawn some criticism. However, Biden has stood by his decision.
