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That's pretty bonkers since in most European countries, your crime record is only relevant for certain jobs where money or sensitive data is at stake and nothing else.

How does society expect ex-cons to become functioning members again if they're denied housing and employment?

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It's unfortunately a self-feeding circle... in the US, if you see a felon, it's likely they will go on to commit more felonies, so you won't want to hire them.

But if you don't hire them, they may be forced to commit other felonies... tragedy of the commons I suppose, just like shopping at Walmart is bad for the community but good for the individual.

It's hard to overcome these effects without legislation, but noone (sane) wants to be in the community that starts it.

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