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."

Several white collar offenders are among those receiving clemency, including notorious BigLaw Ponzi schemer Marc Dreier, formerly of Dreier LLP, who in 2009 was sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling forged promissory notes and stealing from clients, in a scheme that cost investors and clients $400 million.

Former Seattle financial adviser Mark Spangler, who in 2016 was sentenced to 16 years in prison for an alleged scheme to funnel $46 million from accounts he managed into two "risky" startups in which he had ownership stakes, was also granted clemency, as was former Ohio Democratic Party boss Jimmy Dimora.

Dimora was found guilty at trial in 2012 for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for helping with building grants and government contracts for construction companies, and was sentenced to over 20 years in prison.

Biden also granted clemency to a former Democratic judge for the Court of Common Pleas for Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Michael Conahan, who was sentenced to over 17 years in prison for his role in the so-called "kids for cash" scheme, in which he facilitated funding for privately-run detention facilities and steered juveniles there in exchange for kickbacks.

Others receiving relief that were highlighted by the White House include 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."

--Additional reporting by Stewart Bishop. Editing by Nicole Bleier.

Update: This article has been update with more information on some of those receiving clemency.