Background
Studies have shown that getting a job soon after release drastically reduces the recidivism rate.
Recidivism is a critical issue in our society, over 77% of incarcerated adults in the US return to crime within 5 years of being released (http://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/pages/welcome.aspx#statistics). This situation is not surprising given the barriers to success to reintegrate into our society, not the least is getting a job with the “ex-convict” brand on every application. Studies have shown that getting a job soon after release drastically reduces the recidivism rate (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/06/11/immediate_access_to_employment_reduces_recidivism_126939.html).
The United States has 5% of the world population, but 25% of the prison population!