Advancing a Federal Fair Chance Hiring Agenda

Authors: Maurice Emsellem and Michelle Natividad Rodriguez

Research published by the National Employment Law Project reveals the degree to which a criminal record hinders a person’s future employment opportunities and asks that the US government open up career opportunities for ex-convicts.

“While the challenge is daunting, clearing the path to employment can make all the difference in the lives of people with criminal records. It can also significantly increase public safety. The lack of employment was the single most negative determinant of recidivism, according to a 2011 study of the formerly incarcerated.”

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