Nearly one in three adults in America has a criminal record. Even after being released from prison or jail, formerly incarcerated people continue to face lifelong effects of their imprisonment, including barriers to employment, education, housing, public assistance, and other necessary resources to reenter society. Black people and other communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with mental and physical health issues bear the brunt of our mass incarceration system. They are not only more likely to be arrested, be charged, be convicted, and face longer sentences, but they also face higher barriers to re-entry.
This explainer follows the stories of two people, David and Daniel, who try to navigate life after completing their sentences.