My father has spent nearly 25 years behind bars. At 62 years old, he is longing for a second chance at life; a chance that we, his family, strongly believe he deserves. As both children who've had to grow up with the pain of our father's absence, we plead that this petition is not simply considered, but deeply understood.

My sister was merely an infant, barely a month old when our father was incarcerated. I was only four. All we've known ever since are fleeting encounters at prison visits – moments filled with simultaneous happiness and despair. Our first interactions were across barriers, with no physical contact allowed. We could only watch helplessly as our father stood on the other side of the divide. Later, we were allowed to interact more closely during visits, eating together, and even hugging, but it was the ending of these visits that tore us apart. The farewell at the end of these meager hours was a painful reminder of our reality.

America's system is rife with prisoners aged 55 and older. By 2030, they are expected to constitute roughly a third of all inmates in the U.S. (source: ACLU). While we understand the purpose of deterrence and correction that prisons serve, we must consider whether a life sentence truly serves justice or merely satisfies a punitive impulse. As per the Bureau of Justice Statistics, older released prisoners show much less propensity to reoffend, with only 3.2% of those 55 or older returning to prison within one year (source: BJS). Wouldn't it then be in everyone's best interest to root for rehabilitation and reunion, rather than life-long separation?

In signing this petition, you echo our plea for reformation, for giving a father the chance to rebuild his life outside the bars. We appeal to you, not just on our behalf, but on behalf of all families who can and want to reintegrate their loved ones back into society safely and constructively. Sign this petition to remind the world that compassion can coexist with justice.