U.S. Senator Alex Padilla has introduced a new immigration bill in July 2025 that could give about 8 million undocumented immigrants a chance to get a green card. This plan, called the “Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929,” aims to update an old law so more people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years can apply for permanent residency. The bill comes at a time when immigration enforcement is strict, and many families worry about being separated or deported.
Senator Padilla’s proposal focuses on changing the “Registry” provision, a part of U.S. immigration law that has not been updated in over 50 years. Right now, only people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since before January 1, 1972, can use this rule to get a green card. Padilla’s bill would change this to a rolling date, so anyone who has lived in the country for at least seven years could apply. This change could help millions of people, including DACA recipients (also known as Dreamers), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, people with humanitarian parole, and some highly skilled workers stuck in long visa lines.
What Is the Registry Provision and Why Does It Matter?
The Registry provision was first created in 1929. It was meant to help immigrants who had lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for a long time but did not have legal status. If they could prove they had been in the country since a certain date, they could apply for permanent residency. Over the years, Congress updated the cutoff date several times, but it has stayed at January 1, 1972, since 1986. Because of this, almost no one can use the Registry anymore.
Senator Alex Padilla’s bill would make the Registry useful again by setting a rolling cutoff date. Instead of a fixed year, the new rule would let anyone who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least seven years apply for a green card. This means the law would always cover people who have made the United States 🇺🇸 their home for a long time, no matter when they arrived.
Who Would Benefit from Padilla’s Bill?
The bill could help about 8 million undocumented immigrants. This includes:
- DACA recipients (Dreamers): Young people brought to the United States 🇺🇸 as children who have grown up here but do not have legal status.
- TPS holders: People from countries facing war, natural disasters, or other crises who have been allowed to stay temporarily.
- Humanitarian parolees: Individuals allowed to enter the United States 🇺🇸 for urgent reasons, such as escaping danger.
- Highly skilled workers: Some people with H-1B visas who have lived in the country for years but are stuck waiting for a green card because of visa backlogs.
These groups have built lives in the United States 🇺🇸, work in important jobs, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities. Many have children who are U.S. citizens. Padilla’s bill would give them a chance to become lawful permanent residents and, eventually, citizens.
How Would the New Registry Provision Work?
If the bill becomes law, the process for getting a green card under the updated Registry would look like this:
- Prove Continuous Residence: Applicants must show they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least seven years without leaving for long periods.
- Apply for Adjustment of Status: Eligible immigrants would fill out an application to adjust their status under the Registry provision. This usually involves submitting Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS website.
- USCIS Review: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would review each application to make sure the person meets all requirements and does not have any issues that would make them ineligible, such as certain criminal convictions.
- Green Card Approval: If approved, the applicant would receive a green card, making them a lawful permanent resident.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a green card for the required number of years (usually five), the person could apply for U.S. citizenship.
Why Is This Bill Important Now?
The push for this bill comes after years of strict immigration enforcement, especially under President Trump’s administration. Many immigrants, even those with TPS or humanitarian parole, have faced the threat of deportation. Families have been separated, and people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades worry about losing everything.
Senator Alex Padilla and his supporters say the bill is a practical and humane way to fix a broken system. They point out that the last time something similar happened was in 1986, when Congress passed a law that allowed nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants to become legal residents. Padilla’s bill would update the law to reflect today’s realities, giving people who have built lives in the United States 🇺🇸 a chance to stay and contribute fully.
What Do Supporters and Critics Say?
Supporters of the bill include immigrant rights groups, labor unions, and many community leaders. They argue that undocumented immigrants are already part of American society. They work in essential jobs, pay taxes, and raise families. Giving them a chance to get a green card would help them live without fear and allow them to contribute even more.
Senator Padilla’s office says, “This bill is a pragmatic, humane solution to a broken immigration system.” They compare it to the 1986 law that legalized millions of immigrants and say it would help bring the law up to date.
However, the bill faces strong opposition from many Republican lawmakers. They argue that the focus should be on border security and enforcing existing laws, not creating new pathways to legalization. With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, the bill’s chances of passing are uncertain.
Other immigration bills, like the DIGNITY Act of 2025, focus more on border security and have not made much progress. This shows how divided Congress is on immigration issues.
How Would the Bill Affect Families and Communities?
If passed, the bill could change the lives of millions of people. Families who have lived in fear of deportation could finally feel secure. Children who are U.S. citizens would not have to worry about their parents being taken away. Workers in essential jobs could get better opportunities and protections.
For example, a DACA recipient who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since childhood could finally get a green card and plan for the future. A TPS holder who has worked and paid taxes for years could become a permanent resident and eventually a citizen. Even some highly skilled workers stuck in visa backlogs could benefit if they have lived in the country long enough.
Communities would also benefit. When people have legal status, they are more likely to invest in their neighborhoods, buy homes, and start businesses. Local economies could grow, and everyone would feel more secure.
What Are the Steps for Immigrants Who Might Qualify?
If the bill becomes law, here’s what immigrants should do:
- Gather Proof of Residence: Collect documents that show you have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least seven years. This could include rent receipts, utility bills, school records, medical records, or pay stubs.
- Check for Ineligibility: Make sure you do not have any criminal convictions or other issues that could make you ineligible for a green card.
- Prepare to Apply: Learn about the application process and required forms, such as Form I-485.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources, such as Senator Padilla’s official Senate website, for the latest news on the bill.
What Are the Main Challenges to Passing the Bill?
The biggest challenge is political. With Republicans in control of Congress, it will be hard to pass a bill that offers a pathway to legalization for so many people. Many lawmakers want to focus on border security and enforcement instead.
Still, Senator Alex Padilla and his supporters hope that public pressure and changing attitudes will help move the bill forward. They point out that most Americans support some form of legalization for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for many years.
What Other Changes Are Being Proposed?
Along with the Registry bill, Senator Padilla and Senator Cory Booker have suggested changes to how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates. They want to ban ICE agents from wearing face coverings during public operations and require them to show visible identification. These changes are meant to make enforcement more transparent and less frightening for communities.
Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?
The Registry provision has been part of U.S. immigration law since 1929. Congress updated the cutoff date several times, but it has not changed since 1986. That year, the Immigration Reform and Control Act allowed nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants to become legal residents. Since then, the Registry has become almost useless because so few people meet the 1972 cutoff.
Padilla’s bill would bring the Registry back to life, making it a real option for people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years. This would be the biggest change to the law in decades.
What Could Happen Next?
The future of the bill depends on Congress. If lawmakers decide to act, millions of people could get a chance to become legal residents and, eventually, citizens. If the bill does not pass, many families will continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
Advocates say it is important for people to contact their representatives and share their stories. Public support could make a difference, especially as immigration remains a hot topic in the news.
Where Can People Find More Information?
For official updates and detailed information about the bill, visit Senator Alex Padilla’s official Senate website. The site includes press releases, fact sheets, and answers to common questions. You can also find information about the Registry provision and other immigration topics on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Conclusion and Practical Steps
Senator Alex Padilla’s plan to update the Registry provision could be a turning point for millions of immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸. By allowing people who have lived here for at least seven years to apply for a green card, the bill offers hope to families who have waited for decades. While the bill faces political challenges, it has started an important conversation about fairness, community, and the future of immigration in the United States 🇺🇸.
If you think you might qualify if the bill passes, start gathering proof of your time in the country and stay informed through official sources. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this bill represents the most significant effort in recent years to give long-term residents a real chance at legal status. For now, the best step is to prepare and watch for updates, as the debate over immigration reform continues in Congress.
Learn Today
Registry Provision → A legal rule allowing long-term undocumented immigrants to apply for permanent residency by proving continuous US residence.
Green Card → A document granting lawful permanent resident status, allowing immigrants to live and work legally in the US.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protecting young immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation.
TPS → Temporary Protected Status given to nationals from countries in crisis, allowing temporary legal stay and work permission in the US.
Adjustment of Status → The process through which an eligible immigrant applies to change their immigration status to permanent resident.
This Article in a Nutshell
Senator Alex Padilla’s 2025 immigration bill aims to modernize the Registry provision, offering 8 million undocumented immigrants a green card pathway after seven years of continuous residence.
— By VisaVerge.com
