United States Senator Alex Padilla Proposes Bill to Broaden Green Card Access for Long-Term Immigrants

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D‑California) has introduced landmark legislation aimed at modernizing U.S. immigration policy by easing access to lawful permanent residency for millions of long-term immigrants.

Announced during a press conference in Los Angeles, Padilla’s bill seeks to amend the Immigration Act of 1929, also known as the “Registry” statute. For the first time in decades, it would allow immigrants who have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least seven years, have no criminal record, and meet existing eligibility criteria to apply for a green card  .

Currently, only those who entered the U.S. before January 1, 1972 qualify under the Registry provision—an outdated cutoff more than 50 years old. Padilla’s proposal would not only update this date but make it rolling, ensuring the pathway remains accessible over time  .

According to Padilla’s office, the reform could benefit over 8 million individuals, including Dreamers, TPS holders, long-term visa holders, essential workers, and highly skilled foreign employees such as H‑1B visa recipients  . Estimates from FWD.us suggest that granting these individuals citizenship could contribute $121 billion to the U.S. economy annually and generate $35 billion in taxes  .

Padilla framed his initiative as a commonsense, pragmatic solution to outdated policy. “If you’ve lived here for over seven years, paid taxes, contributed to your community, and have no criminal record—you deserve a pathway to legalization,” he remarked  .

The legislation has garnered strong support from Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D‑Illinois) and a coalition of Democratic co-sponsors, including Cory Booker, Tammy Duckworth, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others  . A companion measure is set to be introduced in the House by Representative Zoe Lofgren (D‑California‑18)  .

However, the bill faces significant hurdles. With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, the likelihood of passage remains uncertain  .

This initiative follows closely on the heels of another bill Padilla co-introduced with Senator Cory Booker—the VISIBLE Act, which would require immigration enforcement officers (including ICE and CBP) to display clear identification during public operations and prohibit most non-medical face coverings like masks or balaclavas  .