While I was at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas in late May, I got inspired by a message. It reminded me of how change takes place, and it related to what I saw while I was in prison:
“Things happen gradually, then suddenly.”
That truth applies not only in business—but especially in the justice system. For decades, advocates like me have pushed for reforms to restore dignity, opportunity, and hope to people going through federal prison. Now, with a new policy from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), we’re seeing one of those “sudden” shifts take shape.
My name is Michael Santos, and I served 26 years in federal prison. I founded Prison Professors to help others prepare for the best possible outcome. We offer all our resources for free, and I make three promises to anyone who engages with our work:
- I will never lie to you.
- I will never ask you to do anything I didn’t do myself.
- I will never charge you a penny.
Everything we do is rooted in a belief that people should emerge from prison with their dignity intact and opportunities to build new pathways to succeed.
On May 28, 2025, the BOP issued a directive that could significantly impact the path to liberty for people in federal prison. According to the memo, Director William K. Marshall III has directed staff to expand home confinement for people who qualify under the First Step Act (FSA) and the Second Chance Act (SCA).
For years, the system offered few incentives. Even when people worked hard to prepare for success, many judges, prosecutors, and prison staff insisted that sentences be served in full—down to the last day. That’s changing.
Here’s what’s new:
- Home Confinement is Now a Priority
Those who don’t need the structure of a halfway house can be considered for direct release to home confinement. - Use of Conditional Placement Dates
The BOP will use projected earned time credits to guide prerelease planning. If you meet the benchmarks, you may be able to leave prison sooner. - Clarified Statutory Authority
Staff are now expected to clearly apply distinctions between FSA and SCA eligibility. Importantly, there’s no cap on the number of time credits that can be applied toward home confinement. - Individualized Referral Process
Placement decisions will consider each person’s needs, support system, and readiness to reintegrate.
This directive opens the door to a smarter system rooted in earned liberty, not endless punishment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BOP released more than 16,000 people to home confinement. The recidivism rate for that group? Just a fraction of the national average. In fact, only about 20 individuals committed new crimes. That data proves what we’ve said for years: home confinement works.
The goal of our justice system should be public safety, not perpetuating a bloated bureaucracy. When people are held accountable and then prepared to return home—working, paying taxes, supporting families—we all benefit.
Anyone going into the system shouldn’t wait for anyone in the system to do anything to help. Instead, each person should work to build a case that will make him stand out as a great candidate. Take the following steps:
- Document your efforts. Create a memorialized record that shows how you are preparing for a successful return to society. Use Prison Professors Talent as a free resource.
- Build support. Use our free tools at PrisonProfessors.org to prepare your profile, track progress, and present your plan.
- Understand the law. Learn how the FSA and SCA apply to your situation—and what conditions you need to meet to qualify.
- Get visible. Staff and case managers need to see your commitment to reform. Make your path undeniable.
This shift didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of advocacy. As we await even bigger changes, the message is clear:
Your effort matters.
Visit PrisonProfessors.org, share our resources with your loved ones or legal team, and most importantly—believe in your capacity to grow, change, and return stronger.
I’m Michael Santos, and I believe in you.
