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The hardest part of being a felon comes after the jail time served, even as you waive certain rights. 

On release, many felons are denied access to certain privileges and lose a number of rights.

It has a significant impact on how felons reintegrate into society and if care is not taken, might lead them down the same path which they have towed before.

Here are some of the rights felons may or may not have access to once they are released.

The right to vote:

As a felon, you may be denied the right to vote and be voted for. Most states will remove this right and even though some states allow felons to vote from jail, it is difficult to exercise any franchise rights as a felon. This is even more of a concern because it means up to 5 million Americans are denied the right to vote.

The right to travel Abroad:

Most countries will not allow you into their territory if you have a felony record. It is important for felons to research the laws of the country they intend to travel to, before starting any travel plans.

The right to own firearms:

This law is so strict that even owning a firearm as a gift, may get you in serious legal trouble in some states.

Most states prohibit felons from having firearms.

The loss of custody rights:

Usually, it is even more difficult to secure parental rights to your kids with a felony record. This is because courts usually question a felon’s ability to raise a child, especially if the felon was convicted for a violent or sex-related crime.

Rights to political position:

Some political rights may be waived if you are a felon. A good example is removal from Jury duty pools. Many states also deny felons the right to contest for political office.

Benefit programs:

A a felon, you may lose access to certain government programs. Programs like food stamps, public housing, ssi and others.

Loss of Benefit Programs

Felons also lose the right to certain government programs meant for assistance. You may be ineligible for grant programs, public housing, food stamps, SSI, and a host of other programs.

You may become ineligible to certain jobs:

Some employers may refuse to hire a felon. Even though the right to apply goes for everyone, a felony record makes it harder to get a job. 

There are some positions that are off limits to felon a job. Roles like teachers, the armed services, and law enforcement.

States are mandated to respect these laws and moving might not do much to change the status. 

Some states may, however, have procedures to expunge or seal felony conviction and restore some of these rights.

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