Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces New Pathways Act to Aide Reentry and Reduce Recidivism

Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces New Pathways Act to Aide Reentry and Reduce Recidivism

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the New Pathways Act. This legislation would help formerly incarcerated Americans to re-enter society by requiring the Bureau of Prisons to help these individuals obtain government-issued identification.

More than 650,000 Americans are released from prison each year and upon release face significant barriers to reentry. Among these barriers is the need for a government ID, which is a requirement for renting an apartment, setting up a bank account, registering to vote, and other steps necessary to stabilize life for the formerly incarcerated.

"When incarcerated people are released, they are left on their own to create new lives for themselves while simultaneously facing obstacles that are almost insurmountable. These individuals return to society having paid their dues, yet many reenter the world with no access to basic resources required to obtain work or a place to live," said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. "Our criminal justice system as it exists now seemingly encourages recidivism. By passing the New Pathways Act, we can reduce the number of repeat offenders and bring us one step closer to ending mass incarceration."

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

It is cosponsored by Reps. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rashida Tlaib (MI- 12), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and Al Green (TX-09).

The bill text can be read here.