I will never forget how many of us felt on Dec. 21, 2018 when President Trump signed into law The First Step Act. It was a combination of victory, relief, and immense gratitude for criminal justice reform. Trump showed himself to be not only a humane individual who has faith in the incarcerated citizens of the United States, but also a man who believes in second chances. He proved that he could be a law and order president and a compassionate president at the same time.

I will also never forget the day I found out that my husband had been charged with a nonviolent criminal offense. The emotions that I felt and the pain that I had at that very moment are indescribable, not to mention the feelings of utter shock, knowing that your life will never be the same again.