WASHINGTON, DC, USA – Across the United States, millions of individuals with felony convictions continue to grapple with the stigma and systemic barriers that persist long after they have served their sentences.
Around 19 million Americans have a felony conviction, and at least 79 million have a criminal record.
These numbers reflect a reality that, for many, being labelled a felon means facing lifelong challenges in employment, housing, and societal acceptance.
The recent election of Donald Trump as president, less than six months after being convicted on 34 felony counts, has sparked conversations about the double standards in how society views white-collar crime versus other offenses.
Six convicted felons from across the country share their struggles, their hopes, and their thoughts on Trump’s return to power.
Bruce Western: The Scholar’s Perspective
Bruce Western, a professor of sociology and social justice at Columbia University and director of the Justice Lab, says the stigma surrounding felony convictions often triggers societal fears.
“I think the core content of criminal stigma is that it arouses fears that someone could behave violently or dishonestly,” Western explains.
“That’s kind of what a criminal record is signalling to people.”
Western adds that while stable employment is crucial for preventing recidivism, many felons are relegated to low-wage, dead-end jobs.
“It’s minimum-wage work, and there’s no wage growth in that kind of work,” he says.
Jeremiah Marable: “If He Can Run the Country, Why Can’t I Get a Job?”
Jeremiah Marable, 35, of North Carolina, was convicted of drug possession and selling drugs in 2015.
Though his plea deal meant no jail time, nearly a decade later, the label of “felon” continues to haunt him.
“My conviction was in 2015 and here I am still trying to apply to these jobs, and they still hold that against me,” he says.
Jeremiah, an entrepreneur in the trucking industry, says his record limits his ability to secure high-paying contracts, forcing him into long-distance driving jobs that keep him away from his two young daughters.
Reflecting on Trump’s election, Jeremiah questions the disparity in how society treats individuals with felony convictions.
“If people can trust in him to run the country, you should trust in somebody that did their time and want to reinstate themselves,” he says.
Danielle Forrest: “You’re Never Looked at as a Normal Person Again”
Danielle Forrest, 34, of Mississippi, was convicted of accessory to armed robbery and served eight months in prison.
Since her release in 2021, she has struggled to find stable employment despite being qualified for administrative and customer support jobs.
“Once the company does a background check, all of that goes out the window,” she says. “It makes me feel worthless.”
Danielle hopes Trump’s presidency will lead to policies that ease the stigma around felons.
“If he can be our president, then why can’t there be some type of change for employment for just normal people?”
Michael Powell: “Years Ago, a Felon Was a Second-Class Citizen”
Michael Powell, 54, of North Carolina, has spent decades rebuilding his life after multiple convictions in the 1990s.
Now a college graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, Michael works at a community college. However, his past continues to impede his career advancement.
“I saw the shoulders slump and the heads went down,” he recalls after disclosing his record during a job interview.
Reflecting on Trump’s election, Michael sees a potential shift in perceptions.
“Years ago, a felon was looked at as a second-class citizen. Now he’s (about to be) the President of the United States.”
Alysha Eppard: “One Mistake Shouldn’t Cost Somebody the Rest of Their Life”
Alysha Eppard, 28, of Indiana, served seven-and-a-half years for drug charges and is currently on house arrest.
The stigma of her record is evident during job interviews when she must present documents detailing her whereabouts.
“You can see it pass on their face … their whole view of you just changes,” she says.
Alysha hopes Trump’s election will inspire changes in how society views and treats felons.
“If he’s able to … get himself into this position of power with a background like that, he should do everything in his power to try and make sure that these restrictions that are being put on us are at least lessened.”
Jerail Smith: “A Slap in the Face”
Jerail Smith, 40, of Georgia, has spent years cycling in and out of prison.
Now working as a janitorial technician, he says his probation restrictions—such as needing permission to leave the state—underscore the inequities he sees in Trump’s newfound power.
“How can we have a president as a convicted felon and he can do what he wants to do, and he got way more felonies than me?” he asks. “I just look at that as a slap in the face.”
Andre Clark: “He’s Been Through Struggles Most Politicians Haven’t”
Andre Clark, 49, of Kansas, served time for firearm and drug convictions.
Now employed at a distribution centre, he says finding work after prison remains one of the biggest challenges.
“Every time I get out, I have a challenge of trying to get a job,” he says. “They don’t want to give you a second chance.”
Despite these struggles, Andre voted for Trump in 2024, believing his criminal history offers a unique perspective.
“He’s been through a lot of struggles that a lot of politicians have never seen,” Andre says. “He should use that to help people like us.”
A Double Standard?
While Trump’s presidency has sparked hope for some, it has also highlighted the double standards in how society treats different types of crime.
Trump’s white-collar convictions, often seen as less threatening, stand in stark contrast to the challenges faced by individuals like Jeremiah, Danielle, Michael, Alysha, Jerail, and Andre.
Their stories underscore a broader societal challenge: finding a path toward reintegration and dignity for those who have served their time.
