The Hidden Burden on Family Members: How American Prisons Bring Families to Their Knees

The American prison system is not only an immense burden for the inmates, but also for their families, who are often pushed to their financial and emotional limits. What many do not know is that behind the walls of the prisons lies a billion-dollar industry that profits from the hardship of families.

A particularly serious problem is the overpriced shopping opportunities inside the prisons. Inmates have access to so-called "commissaries", small shops inside the prisons where they can buy basic items such as hygiene products, snacks or stationery. But the prices there are often absurdly high - products that cost a few dollars outside are many times more expensive here.

In addition, high fees for transferring money to prisoners' accounts make it difficult to provide financial support. Family members who want to send money to their loved ones for shopping pay fees of up to 30%, which is a huge burden for people on low incomes. It is a system that aims to profit from the desperation and love of loved ones.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg. The so-called “prison industry” – a powerful alliance of private prison operators, service companies and lobbyists – earns billions from imprisoning people. Their power and influence are so great that they are now considered more powerful than the pharmaceutical industry.

While families struggle to support their loved ones, this system benefits at the expense of the poorest. It is time to expose the structures of this system and demand reforms that ensure humane treatment for both prisoners and their families.