Why Has My Father Been Unjustly Imprisoned for Half My Life Because of a Law Joe Biden Supported?

For over half of my life, my father has been imprisoned—unjustly, in my eyes—because of a law that was backed by Joe Biden. This law, which many argue is overly harsh and unjust, has not only destroyed my father’s life but has also cast a shadow over our entire family. While political leaders tout laws as necessary to protect the public, they often overlook the human cost that these policies inflict on families. My father’s story is just one example of how a piece of legislation can have long-lasting and devastating effects on real people.

The law in question is the 1994 Crime Bill, a sweeping piece of legislation that Joe Biden helped pass during his time as a senator. Though it was aimed at addressing crime and improving public safety, it ended up disproportionately affecting minority communities, leading to harsher sentences for many individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes. My father was one of the countless individuals caught in the web of this legislation, and the consequences have been far-reaching and tragic.

The 1994 Crime Bill and Its Consequences

The 1994 Crime Bill, also known as the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, was championed by then-President Bill Clinton and supported by a range of political figures, including Joe Biden. The bill aimed to reduce crime by increasing the number of police officers, expanding the prison system, and implementing tougher sentencing laws. While the bill did help to address certain aspects of crime, it also resulted in mass incarceration, particularly among Black and Latino populations, and disproportionately affected people convicted of drug-related offenses.

My father was convicted under laws that were reinforced by the 1994 Crime Bill. His sentence was harsh, and though his offense was nonviolent, the law treated him as if he were a much greater threat. Despite being a model inmate—participating in educational programs and trying to rehabilitate—my father was subjected to the unforgiving policies of the time. The bill made it harder for individuals like him to get parole or early release, ensuring that many stayed in prison far longer than they should have.

The Impact on My Family

Growing up without my father has been a defining experience of my life. For years, I struggled with feelings of abandonment, confusion, and anger at the injustice that kept my father behind bars. His absence shaped my childhood, and the pain of knowing he was locked away for a crime that seemed so minor compared to the punishment he received was unbearable. His imprisonment didn’t just affect him—it devastated our entire family.

As I got older, I began to understand the role that policies like the 1994 Crime Bill played in perpetuating these injustices. I saw firsthand how laws meant to combat crime often led to families being torn apart, with little thought given to rehabilitation or second chances. The law didn’t offer mercy or an understanding of human potential. Instead, it treated people like my father as permanent criminals, not acknowledging the possibility of growth or redemption.

A Call for Justice and Reform

While Joe Biden has acknowledged the need for criminal justice reform, the effects of the 1994 Crime Bill are still felt by families like mine. My father’s case is not unique—countless others are still serving long sentences for nonviolent crimes, and many of them were sentenced under policies that Biden himself supported. The time has come for leaders to take responsibility for the impact of these laws and work to rectify the harm that has been done.

Reform is urgently needed. We must address the systemic issues that contribute to mass incarceration and the disproportionate sentencing of marginalized communities. My father’s case is a reminder that policies should be evaluated not just by their intentions, but by their real-world consequences. We need a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment and gives individuals the opportunity to prove that they can change.

I urge those in positions of power, including Joe Biden, to take a closer look at the long-term effects of the laws they’ve supported. It’s time to acknowledge the human cost of these policies and work towards a system that offers justice, mercy, and second chances.

Conclusion

For half my life, my father has been imprisoned because of a law Joe Biden supported. His story is a painful reminder of the lasting damage that poorly thought-out policies can inflict on families. It’s time for reform, for accountability, and for a justice system that truly offers fairness and redemption. No one should have to suffer the consequences of these injustices for decades. My father deserves to come home, and so do the countless others still caught in the grip of policies that failed them.