When ex-felons leave our inhumane prisons, they are have to face the rude awakening of several limitations to their re-integration into society.
Disenfranchisement
First of all, if we want ex-felons to be re-integrated into society why do we prevent them from voting? What does voting have to do with anything? Statistics show that the the disenfranchisement of ex-felons has led to the dis-enfranchisement of entire communities. A staggering 15% of African American males cannot vote in the U.S. Their ability to vote could have definitely changed the outcome of several elections. The outcome of the 2000 presidential election might have been a different been considering the fact that African American tend to vote democratic. Also, statistics show that 5.4 million people in the U.S. have been stripped of their right to vote. Is it necessary to strip people of their right to vote in a democratic state? What is the rationale behind it?
Subsidized Housing and Welfare
In certain states in the US, after being incarcerated you face the possibility of being stripped of welfare and loss eligibility to attain subsidized housing. Note, that these people have been away from society for at times, years! Shouldn't they be the ones that need welfare and subsidized housing the most? Some scholars suggest that the present policy on welfare in the US stems form the bankruptcy of many states. However, shouldn't we find other alternatives of funding instead of making life difficult for people who need assistance in reintegration the most?
Inability to Acquire Professional Licenses
Licenses regulated by the state such as barbers, real estate agents, plumbing, electrical work can effectively limit the ability of ex-felons to work in these fields. Also, mindful that ex-felons cannot pass bondable checks imposed by private enterprises and are also limited in working for private individuals. These bondable checks can also limit individuals from applying to universities.
The question to ask at this juncture is, do these measures need to be in place after ex-felons have completed their term in jail? These punitive punishments should not be transfered into the every day lives of these individuals when they are trying to reintegrate into society and become better citizens. They should end within our prisons.
The effects of these post incarceration conditions is that it has affected entire communities such as the African American community and other minorities. These conditions have also affected people of lower economic status tremendously, making life even harder for them. Lastly but not exhaustive, the loss of welfare such as child support upon incarceration affects women disproportionally because statistics show they make use of this assistance the most.
