Building Back Together Applauds President Biden’s Move to Grant Clemency for Nearly 1,500 People
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2024
PRESS CONTACT: [email protected]
BUILDING BACK TOGETHER APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BIDEN’S MOVE TO GRANT CLEMENCY FOR NEARLY 1,500 PEOPLE
President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation as well as a strong commitment to making their communities better
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, President Biden announced he is commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences and pardoning 39 people who have shown successful rehabilitation. In response to this announcement, Building Back Together Executive Director Mayra Macías released the following statement:
“President Biden took historic action today by granting clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans and pardoning 39 individuals who were convicted of non-violent crimes – the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history. This life-changing relief will be felt by a decorated military veteran, a nurse who has led response for a number of natural disasters, an addiction counselor who volunteers his time to help young people, and more – all individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities.
“These actions build on President Biden’s record of criminal justice reform as the first president in American history to issue categorical pardons to individuals convicted of simple use and possession of marijuana, and to former LGBTQI+ service members convicted of private conduct because of their sexual orientation. Since he and Vice President Harris took office, their administration has worked to help reunite families, strengthen communities, and reintegrate individuals back into society.
“As President Biden has said: America was founded on the promise of second chances. For far too long, we have struggled to live up to that promise. With today’s actions, our criminal justice system is reopening doors of opportunity to people who should have the chance to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities.”
For more information, please see the White House’s fact sheet here.
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Building Back Together (BBT) is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization that serves as a messaging and organizing hub for national and in-state allies to advance the legislative agenda of the Biden-Harris Administration. BBT works alongside our partners to educate communities across the country about how the Biden-Harris agenda impacts their lives – by creating good-paying union jobs, lowering costs, and fueling economic growth – and contrasting these legislative accomplishments with the harmful plans of Republicans in Congress.