Biden Grants Pardons to 11 Individuals and Commutes Sentences for 5 Others

President Joe Biden granted pardons to 11 individuals and commuted the sentences of five others who had been convicted of non-violent drug offenses, the White House announced. This is part of a series of actions taken by the President.

“Many of these individuals received sentences that were much longer than what they would have received under current laws,” Biden stated.

Despite having less than 5% of the global population, the United States has a fifth of the world’s prisoners. In an effort to reduce unnecessary incarcerations, support rehabilitation, and aid in successful re-entry into society for those leaving prison, the White House unveiled a plan last year.

Among those pardoned by Biden is Dr. Katrina Polk, 54, of Washington, who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense at 18. Polk served her sentence, completed supervised release, and later earned a PhD in public policy and administration.

Last December, Biden also reduced the prison terms of 11 individuals serving long sentences for non-violent drug charges and pardoned potential thousands with federal or Washington, D.C., marijuana possession offenses.