In a historic move, President Joe Biden has granted clemency to approximately 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders as part of his administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform. This decision seeks to address long-standing disparities in sentencing, with a particular focus on the disproportionate impact such policies have had on Black communities.

“These commutations reflect our commitment to correcting injustices in our criminal justice system,” President Biden expressed. “Many of these individuals were serving sentences far longer than they would receive today under current laws, especially due to outdated distinctions between crack and powder cocaine and enhanced sentences for drug crimes.”

Biden’s term as president is scheduled to end on January 20.

This initiative is part of Biden’s broader use of clemency powers as his presidency nears its conclusion. It builds upon his unprecedented clemency actions, including the commutation of sentences for nearly all federal death row inmates and setting a record by granting 1,500 commutations in a single day to individuals moved to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Biden highlighted the importance of addressing historical injustices in the U.S. criminal justice system, explicitly highlighting the unequal treatment of Black Americans under past sentencing laws.  “By commuting these sentences, we offer these individuals a chance to return to their families and rebuild their lives,” he said.

As his time in office draws to a close, the Democratic leader has concentrated on advancing critical agendas. Recently, Biden announced $2.5 billion in security aid for Ukraine, played a key role in mediating ceasefire talks in the Israel-Gaza conflict, and responded to the devastating wildfires in California. He has also engaged in traditional end-of-term responsibilities, such as confirming judicial appointments, signing the legislation and awarding honours to civilians and service members.

“I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons,” Biden stated in an official announcement issued by the White House.