Registry Date Reform In U.S. Congress Could Impact Over 8 Million Immigrants

Not every initiative to change U.S. immigration law is as significant and capable of helping millions of immigrants as the one that was recently introduced in the Senate by Senators Dick Durbin and Alex Padilla. The Senators jointly proposed a new bill entitled the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 that would update the existing registry date to enable an estimated eight million immigrants to apply for permanent residence if they have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years. Applicants would have to be of good moral character but could apply even if they are unlawfully in the United States at the moment.

First Registry Change Since 1986This proposed change to the registry date would be the first since 1986. Until it is changed the current registry cutoff date for eligibility remains January 1, 1972. In other words, to be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the current registry date you have to show physical presence in the United States for more than 50 years. The new bill that seeks to update the registry criteria is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ben Ray Luján and companion legislation was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren back in July of this year.

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