President Joe Biden announced Thursday he was commuting the prison sentences of nearly 1,500 Americans he said had successfully rehabilitated themselves, the largest number ever in a single day, according to a statement by the White House.

Biden used his executive power to commute the sentences of individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who he said had successfully reintegrated into society. He also pardoned 39 individuals who were convicted of nonviolent crimes.

These acts of clemency come less than two weeks after Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, for gun and tax evasion felonies.

"America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances," Biden said in a statement. "That is why, today, I am pardoning 39 people who have shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer. I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences — many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today's laws, policies, and practices."

The people who received clemency on Thursday have been serving their sentences at home for at least one year and have made efforts to turn their lives around by getting jobs and enrolling in educational programs, the White House said in its statement.

"These individuals are parents, veterans, health care professionals, teachers, advocates, and engaged members of their communities. Many of them have used their experiences in the criminal justice system to inspire and encourage others," the White House said. "These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history."

Among the people receiving relief were a decorated military veteran and pilot who has helped his fellow church members in need, a nurse who responded to several natural disasters and helped vaccinate people during the pandemic, and an addiction counselor who helps youths stay out of trouble, the statement says.

The White House acknowledged that convictions make it difficult for people to find housing, jobs, educational opportunities, healthcare and benefits.

"Through his use of the clemency power, President Biden has taken steps to unlock doors of opportunity that would have otherwise remained closed to these recipients, who deserve a second chance," the statement says.

The White House said Biden is the first president to issue blanket pardons to people convicted of simple marijuana use and possession, and to former LGBTQ military personnel who were convicted for private behavior because of their sexual orientation. More clemency actions are expected to be issued in Biden's final weeks in the White House.

"I will take more steps in the weeks ahead," Biden said in his statement. "My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances."

--Editing by Nicole Bleier.