In Newark, Obama to call for breaking cycle of incarceration
Posted November 02, 2015 6:00 am
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - President Barack Obama is announcing new rules that will prevent federal agencies from quickly screening out job applicants just because they have criminal records.
Obama says too many employers dismiss applicants because they've checked a box stating they have a criminal history. Obama says employers should "give folks a chance to get in the door."
The president made the comments in Newark, New Jersey, where he is calling for criminal justice reform and more programs to help former inmates reenter society.
Obama noted roughly 70 million Americans have some sort of criminal record. He says making sure those people can find jobs, housing and education is good for the economy.
President Barack Obama hugs Sharon Boatwright during a visit to Integrity House, a residential facility in Newark, N.J., Monday, Nov. 2, 2015. Obama is calling for breaking the cycle of incarceration by helping former inmates successfully re-enter society. Boatwright is a resident and participant at Integrity and Shorter is Director of the Women's Outpatient Programs and Director of the Women's Half-Way House at Integrity House. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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President Barack Obama waves to visitors as he walks towards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on his way to Newark, N.J. Obama will spend the day highlighting the re-entry process of formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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President Barack Obama returns a salute as he boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on his way to Newark, N.J. Obama will spend the day highlighting the re-entry process of formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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Visitors to the South Lawn of the White House watch as Marine One, carrying President Barack Obama departs from the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on his way to Newark, N.J. Obama will spend the day highlighting the re-entry process of formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
The Associated Press
Military personnel walk away from Air Force One, with President Barack Obama aboard, prior to his departure from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday Nov. 2, 2015, en route to Newark, N.J., to visit a drug treatment center and aims to boost his ongoing push for overhauling the criminal justice system. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
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