President Donald J. Trump Has Championed Reforms That Are Providing Hope to Forgotten Americans

“Our
roaring economy has, for the first time ever, given many former
prisoners the ability to get a great job and a fresh start. This second
chance at life is made possible because we passed landmark criminal
justice reform into law.” – President Donald J. Trump

ACHIEVING LANDMARK JUSTICE REFORMS: President Donald J. Trump
championed the First Step Act, delivering the largest reform of our
justice system in years.

• President
  Trump signed the groundbreaking First Step Act into law in 2018,
  enacting historic reforms to make our justice system fairer for all.
• The First Step Act addressed outdated, failed policies that were long overdue for reform.
  
  • This
    legislation eliminated the “three strikes” life sentencing provision
    for some offenses, expanded judges’ discretion in sentencing of
    non-violent crimes, and more.
  
  
• The First Step Act is helping inmates successfully return to society by expanding access to rehabilitative programs.
  
  • These programs address the risks and needs of each prisoner to promote rehabilitation.
  • The President’s budget includes more than $400 million to expand access to First Step Act programs.
  
  
• President Trump’s approach is smart on crime, providing inmates an opportunity to succeed while making our communities safer.

OFFERING A SECOND CHANCE AT THE
AMERICAN DREAM: Second chance hiring offers former inmates the
opportunity to gain rewarding careers and enjoy the dignity of work.

• President
  Trump has promoted second chance hiring to build on the reforms of the
  First Step Act and provide opportunity for all Americans.
• President
  Trump launched the Federal Interagency Crime Prevention and Improving
  Reentry Council to create more second chances for those returning home
  from prison. 
• Second chance hiring helps inmates live crime-free lives and find meaningful employment.
• The
  Administration is working to expand Pell Grants to provide education
  and training to inmates prior to release, helping them secure
  family-sustaining jobs.
• The
  Administration launched a “Ready to Work Initiative” to help connect
  employers directly with former prisoners and expand employment
  opportunities.

LEAVING NO AMERICANS BEHIND:
President Trump’s pro-growth policies are ushering in an economic
revival that is lifting up forgotten Americans and leaving no one
behind.

• The
  unemployment rates for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian
  Americans have all reached record lows under President Trump.
• Wages are rising, with low income workers seeing the fastest gains.
• Nearly
  2.5 million Americans have been lifted out of poverty, with the poverty
  rates for African Americans and Hispanic Americans falling to new lows
  in 2018.
• President
  Trump has advanced workforce development to ensure everyone can seize
  on the opportunities created in this booming economy.
  
  • President
    Trump’s Pledge to America’s Workers has prompted companies to pledge
    employment and education opportunities for nearly 15 million Americans.
  
  
• Americans
  who had been left behind are coming off the sidelines, with nearly
  three-quarters of Americans gaining employment coming from outside of
  the labor force.