While hacking top secret government files may seem like an event that only takes place in action movies, three years ago Edward Snowden brought that scenario to life. After releasing top secret National Security Agency data regarding surveillance to the press, Snowden fled to Russia and has been there ever since, seeking asylum. In June 2013, he was charged with theft of government property, unauthorized communication of National Defense information, and willful communication of classified communications intelligence information to an unauthorized person, all of which are felonies.

 As President Obama’s time in office comes to an end, Snowden supporters are calling for a Presidential pardon, which would allow him to return the the United States without fear of a 30 year life sentence. On June 9, 2016, a petition was started asking for a full pardon of Snowden with the goal of 100,000 signatures; it now has over 160,000 signatures. On the other side of the debate, the government is calling for him to return to the United States to be tried under the Espionage Act. The Espionage Act is used to ensure nothing interferes with military operations or recruitment, and to prevent the support of countries considered enemies to the United States. Junior Farrah Naser said, “I don’t think he should be pardoned because he interfered with so many international intelligence operations that could have jeopardized national security. He needed to take into consideration of the country before acting so quickly.”

 Lisa Monaco, the Presidential Advisor on Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, responded to the petition saying Snowden should have constructively protested and now should come home to answer for his crimes in whatever the court decides is right, instead of hiding. Snowden claims he should be pardoned because he did what was ethically correct and that the public deserved to know the information the government had been withholding. Junior Anhminh Nguyen said, “I think America is better off after Snowden released the information because now that people are more aware they can take actions as they see fit, although I do think Snowden’s actions did damage the United States’ relationship with other countries.”

 Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have commented on the ordeal both claiming he should not be pardoned and face the consequences of his actions. Coincidentally, all the events surrounding Snowden coincide with the movie Snowden, which was released September 16 and recounts his journey to becoming one of the most famous whistleblowers in history. Whether or not you believe Snowden should be pardoned, he will leave a lasting legacy on the right to privacy.