[ad_1]
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. along with several other progressives are asking President Biden to pardon all federal simple marijuana possession offenses, regardless of immigration status.
Ocasio-Cortez was joined by Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill., Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and several other members of Congress in the letter to Biden on Monday.
Biden announced the pardon of all prior convictions for federal offenses of simple marijuana possession on Oct. 6, but didn’t include illegal immigrants in the pardon.
“Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the Administration pardon all simple marijuana possession offenses – regardless of immigration status,” the members of Congress state in the letter. “Using the power of the pardon is a constitutional imperative and a critical tool in rectifying the compounding racial injustices of draconian drug policies. However, continuing to deport immigrants for simple marijuana possession will only exacerbate racial disparities, traumatize families and communities vital to this country’s fabric, and create ineffective legal regimes at taxpayers’ expense.”
AOC HITS BIDEN FOR NOT PARDONING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOR FEDERAL OFFENSES OF SIMPLE MARIJUANA POSSESSION
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) prepares to speak during a rally for immigration provisions to be included in the Build Back Better Act outside the U.S. Capitol December 7, 2021 in Washington, DC. Progressive Democrats are urging the Senate to include a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. in the Build Back Better Act.
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
“Granting pardons to all simple marijuana possession offenses – regardless of immigration status – demonstrates genuine compassion while ensuring that our country continues to mitigate the inhumane and ineffective drudge policies that have ravaged communities of color for so long,” the letter adds.
In addition…
[ad_2]
