Give Prison Inmates ID When They’re Released, Sen. Cory Booker Says

NEWARK, NJ — It’s hard enough getting your life back on track after a stint in prison. And making sure that newly released inmates have a government-issued identification is a no-brainer, a senator from New Jersey says.

Last week, Cory Booker, a Newark resident, reintroduced the New Pathways Act in the U.S. Senate. Here’s what the proposed federal law would do, according to a statement from Booker’s office:

“The New Pathways Act mandates that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) take steps to obtain for formerly incarcerated citizens a Social Security card and a proof-of-citizenship document, such as a passport. For non-citizens, the bill requires the BOP to help the individual obtain either proof of lawful residence or an employment authorization document.”

Booker said that more than 600,000 people are released from prison every year in the United States, and many of them face enormous challenges when they’re trying to re-enter society.

“One of those obstacles to reentry is the lack of government-issued ID, which is needed to vote, open a bank account, secure housing, and secure social services, among many other things,” Booker said. “This bill is an important step in helping ease the pathway to reentry for formerly incarcerated people.”

The legislation is supported by Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the Center or Law and Social Policy, Justice Action Network, JustLeadershipUSA, Campaign for Youth Justice, The Sentencing Project, the Interfaith Action for Human Rights, National Crittenden, and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey and Rep. Kweisi Mfume of Maryland.

• See related article: Long-Awaited Review Gives Deep Look Into NJ's Largest County Prison
• See related article: NJ Releases 800 Inmates – And $148 Per Day It Costs To House Them
• See related article: Ex-Prison Inmates In NJ Find Support, Camaraderie In Newark

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