This is not the major criminal justice reform Biden promised

Biden granted clemency to 78 people. It should've been thousands.

President Biden.
(Image credit: Illustrated | Getty Images, iStock)

More than a year after taking office, President Biden has finally decided to use his executive powers to begin fulfilling a campaign promise: On Tuesday, he pardoned three people and commuted the sentences of 75 nonviolent drug offenders.

"America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation," Biden said in a statement. "Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and stronger communities." His administration also announced new steps to help former prisoners reintegrate into society, including $145 million for job training and re-entry programs.

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Michael Arceneaux

Michael Arceneaux is the New York Times-bestselling author of I Can't Date Jesus and I Don't Want to Die Poor.