Biggest Act of Clemency in Modern U.S. History

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden stated. “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.”

Most of the individuals whose sentences were commuted were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the pandemic. The 39 pardoned individuals were convicted of non-violent crimes.

President Biden plans to continue reviewing clemency petitions in the upcoming weeks.