Carceral Debt: Difference from Federal, Student Debt; Must They Be Forgiven?

The U.S. lawmakers remain lenient in forgiving the debt of the federal government and student borrowers in the country. Unfortunately, however, Americans who have incurred carceral debt in the system are offered less leniency.

Earlier in May, Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary warned that the country may run out of money as early as June 1 this year. Despite debates over whether or not to increase the debt ceiling, several Democrats and Republicans have voted in favor of the increase.

According to Sarai, the lawmakers in the U.S. remain lenient in forgiving the federal government’s own debt and the debt of the student borrowers in the country. However, incarcerated borrowers who have incurred carceral debt as a result of their involvement in the system are not offered the same leniency.

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Carceral Debt Forgiveness

According to Galvin-Almanza, an individual may emerge from the system with an average accumulated carceral debt worth $13,607. For context, around 60% of the residents in the U.S. cannot afford emergency expenses worth $1,000, return to their hometown, or find a house to live in.

The carceral debt is mainly the result of fines and fees that can keep individuals legally bound to the judicial system for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, this cycle is not uncommon as the legal system is designed to impose punishment rather than foster safety.

This means that instead of making sure that Americans are financially stable enough to find legal jobs and sustain their families’ needs after being incarcerated, the legal system chooses to impose carceral debt that prolongs their loss of liberty.

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