White House
Biden Announces Clemency for 1,500 Americans and Pardons for 39 Non-Violent Offenders
President Biden announced clemency for nearly 1,500 Americans, and the pardoning of 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes on Thursday. According to the White House, the clemencies are being granted to individuals who have served at least one year in home confinement due to provisions in the Covid-era CARES ACT. Those individuals have taken steps to improve their lives, including seeking employment and educational opportunities.
The 39 pardons include individuals who were convicted of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, and have also demonstrated a willingness to turn their lives around.
This is the largest single-day sentence commutation in American history. Biden has issued more sentence commutations than any other President in history up to this point in their term. According to the White House, those affected include:
- A decorated military veteran and pilot who spends much of his time helping his fellow church members who are in poor health or unable to perform strenuous tasks;
- A nurse who has led emergency response for several natural disasters and who helped spearhead vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
- An addiction counselor who volunteers his time to help young people find their purpose, make better choices, and refrain from destructive behaviors and gang involvement.
"America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances," Biden said. "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."
"I will take more steps in the weeks ahead," he continued. "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."
