Thursday, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of roughly 1,500 individuals who were released to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and pardoned 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. This marks the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history.
The commutations apply to individuals who have spent at least a year under home confinement after being released during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, federal prisons faced critical challenges as they became hotspots for the virus, with reports showing one in five prisoners contracted COVID-19. Biden’s decision builds on his administration’s efforts to address systemic issues in the justice system, particularly for nonviolent drug offenses.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” President Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.”
The individuals receiving clemency include a decorated military veteran, a doctoral student, a church deacon working as an addiction counselor, and a leader in disaster response efforts. These pardons focus on those who have not only served their time but also made significant strides in contributing to their communities.
This move follows Biden’s earlier efforts to pardon individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession on federal lands and his commutations for others impacted by outdated sentencing laws. It also comes amid increasing calls from lawmakers and advocates for broader action, such as commuting the sentences of federal death row inmates. Attorney General Merrick Garland has paused federal executions during Biden’s term, but with former President Donald Trump set to take office again, executions may resume.
Biden’s decision has also sparked discussions about his use of clemency powers. While praised for his focus on nonviolent offenders, the president faced backlash for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, over tax and gun charges. Though Biden argued that the case was politicized, a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that only 20% of Americans supported the move.
The clemency announcement also raises questions about potential preemptive pardons for individuals involved in investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Some advocates believe Biden should use his remaining days in office to protect those who could face political retribution.
