We Are All Ex-Somethings

The United States bears a reputation as a “land of opportunity and a land of liberty and justice for all.” But that is not often the experience of the 100 million Americans with a criminal background. Imagine if people knew you only for your worst deed. Now imagine applying for a job or housing. Vying for these necessities would require disclosing an act for which you’ve already paid the consequences – perhaps decades ago. The enduring stigma of a criminal record contributes to a revolving-door effect upon release from prison. Within five years of their release, 76% of former inmates are rearrested, 89% of whom are unemployed at the time. In the United...