Senator Alex Padilla has introduced a major immigration reform bill in late July 2025, aiming to change how millions of long-term undocumented immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 can become legal residents. This update focuses on the Registry provision, a part of U.S. immigration law that has not been meaningfully changed in decades. Here’s a clear summary of what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for people with pending applications.
Summary of What Changed
The main change comes from Senator Alex Padilla’s bill, called “Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929.” The bill proposes to update the Registry, which is a legal way for certain immigrants to apply for permanent residency (a green card). Right now, the Registry only helps people who entered the United States 🇺🇸 before January 1, 1972. Because of this old date, almost no one can use it anymore. Between 2015 and 2019, only 305 people were able to adjust their status under this rule.
Padilla’s bill would:
- Update the Registry cutoff date so that immigrants who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least seven years before applying can qualify for a green card.
- Make the cutoff date rolling instead of fixed, so it will always move forward and not become outdated again.
- Open a path to legalization for groups like Dreamers (young people brought to the U.S. as children), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, children of long-term visa holders, essential workers, and highly skilled workers stuck in visa backlogs.
- Require applicants to have no criminal record and meet other usual eligibility rules.
- Avoid creating new government agencies, instead modernizing an existing legal process.
This bill is co-led by Senator Dick Durbin in the Senate, and Representative Zoe Lofgren is leading a similar effort in the House. Senator Alex Padilla calls this a “commonsense fix” that honors the hard work and contributions of immigrants who have lived, worked, and paid taxes in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years. The bill echoes the spirit of President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 immigration reform.
Who Is Affected
If this bill becomes law, it would affect:
- Undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least seven years.
- Dreamers (people who came to the U.S. as children and have grown up here).
- TPS holders (people from countries facing war or disaster who have been allowed to stay temporarily).
- Children of long-term visa holders who may have “aged out” of their parents’ visas.
- Essential workers who have helped keep the country running, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Highly skilled workers such as H-1B visa holders who are stuck in long waiting lines for green cards.
All applicants must have a clean criminal record and meet other standard requirements.
Effective Dates
The bill is expected to be formally introduced in the Senate in early August 2025. If passed, the new rules would take effect as soon as the law is signed and the government updates its procedures. Until then, the current Registry cutoff date (January 1, 1972) remains in place.
Required Actions for Immigrants
If the bill passes, here’s what immigrants should do:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least seven years before applying. Gather documents that prove your continuous residence, such as rent receipts, pay stubs, school records, or medical bills.
- Prepare for Background Checks: You must have no criminal record. Be ready to provide fingerprints and other information for security checks.
- File the Application: Submit your application under the updated Registry provision. The main form for adjusting status is Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- Wait for Approval: If approved, you will receive lawful permanent resident status (a green card).
- Path to Citizenship: After holding a green card for the required number of years, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.
Implications for Pending Applications
For people who have already applied under the old Registry rules or other green card categories, this bill could open a new, faster path to legal status. If you have a pending application and you qualify under the new seven-year rule, you may be able to switch to this new process once it becomes available. It’s important to watch for updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and consult with a trusted immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Context: Why This Reform Matters
The Registry provision was first created in 1929 and was last updated many years ago. Because the cutoff date is so old, almost no one can use it today. Senator Alex Padilla’s bill would help more than 8 million immigrants who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years but have no way to become legal residents. This change responds to concerns about tough immigration enforcement, especially after the policies of President Trump’s administration, and aims to give stability to immigrant families.
Recent Protests and Enforcement Actions
In June 2025, Los Angeles saw a wave of violent protests after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out raids to arrest undocumented immigrants. The protests began on June 6, 2025, and spread to other cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas. Some protests turned violent, with blocked freeways, burned vehicles, and clashes with police. President Trump responded by sending the California National Guard and Marines to restore order, a move strongly opposed by Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. Over 100 immigrants were arrested in the Los Angeles area, and many more were detained during the protests.
These events have made the debate over immigration reform even more urgent. Many immigrant advocates say that updating the Registry is a humane way to protect people who have built their lives in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Stakeholders and Their Views
- Senator Alex Padilla: Leading the push for immigration reform, saying it’s fair and recognizes immigrants’ contributions.
- Senator Dick Durbin: Supports the bill as needed for immigrant communities.
- Representative Zoe Lofgren: Leading the effort in the House, calling for a path to legalization for long-term residents.
- President Trump: Sent federal troops to Los Angeles during protests, saying it was needed to restore order.
- Governor Gavin Newsom: Opposed the federal military response, calling it an overreach.
- Mayor Karen Bass: Criticized President Trump’s actions, saying they made things worse.
- ICE and LAPD: Carried out raids and made arrests during the protests.
- Protest Groups and Immigrant Advocates: Called for an end to raids and more humane immigration policies.
Practical Implications
If the bill becomes law, millions of people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least seven years could finally apply for a green card. This would reduce fear in immigrant communities and give people a chance to plan for their future. It would also help essential workers and highly skilled workers who are stuck in long waiting lines.
Step-by-Step Process Under the Proposed Bill
- Eligibility Check: Prove seven years of continuous residence.
- Application Submission: File Form I-485.
- Background Checks: Pass security and criminal checks.
- Approval and Adjustment of Status: Receive green card if approved.
- Path to Citizenship: Apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Future Outlook
The bill’s future is uncertain because of political divisions, but many experts see it as a practical and overdue reform. Ongoing protests and enforcement actions may push Congress to act. Advocacy groups are working hard to support the bill and inform the public.
Official Resources
For the latest updates, visit USCIS’s Registry information page. You can also contact Senator Alex Padilla’s office or check the official websites of the California Governor and Los Angeles Mayor for local updates.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this proposed change could finally give millions of immigrants a fair chance at legal status, reflecting the reality of modern America and the contributions of long-term residents.
If you think you might qualify, start gathering your proof of residence and keep an eye on official announcements. This could be a life-changing opportunity for many families across the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Registry → An immigration provision allowing certain long-term residents to apply for permanent residency, historically tied to an outdated cutoff date.
Dreamers → Undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children, often protected under DACA, seeking legal residency.
TPS holders → Immigrants from conflict-affected countries granted temporary legal status to live and work in the US.
Form I-485 → USCIS application used to register for permanent residency or adjust immigration status.
Rolling cutoff date → A moving residency requirement date that updates regularly, preventing obsolescence in immigration eligibility.
This Article in a Nutshell
Senator Alex Padilla’s 2025 immigration reform bill revives the Registry, allowing long-term undocumented residents to legally obtain green cards. By updating the cutoff to seven years, millions including Dreamers and essential workers gain a clearer path to residency and citizenship in the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com
