being forever sentenced to debtors' prison

USA Today leads with word that five states are considering laws that would restrict an employer's ability to use credit checks as part of the hiring process. With unemployment rising, some state lawmakers are saying that otherwise trustworthy people are being prevented from getting jobs. "It's almost like being forever sentenced to debtors' prison," said Hawaii state Rep.

Definition

A debtors' prison is a prison for those who are unable to pay a debt. Prior to the mid 19th century debtors' prisons were a common way to deal with unpaid debt.^[1]
Wikipedia article "Debtors' prison".

debt Show phonetics
noun [C or U]
something, especially money, which is owed to someone else, or the state of owing something:
He managed to pay off his debts in two years.
The firm ran up huge debts.
They are in debt to (= owe money to) the bank.
He ran/got into debt (= borrowed money) after he lost his job.
The company is deep in debt (= owes a lot of money).
See also indebted (GRATEFUL); indebted (OWING).

debtor Show phonetics
noun [C]
someone who owes money
Compare creditor at credit (PAYMENT).