In July 2025, Senator Alex Padilla (Democrat from the State of California) introduced a bill update titled “Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929.” This proposal aims to update the outdated “registry” rule, which hasn’t been revised since 1986.

If passed, this bill could open the door to lawful permanent residency (green cards) for millions of immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for years without a clear path to legal status.

If the immigration registry bill 2025 passes, it would modernize the registry process and provide a new legal pathway for many long-term U.S. residents.

Who Could Qualify If This Update to the Immigration Registry Bill Passes?

The immigration bill registry updates would expand eligibility for lawful permanent residency to a wide range of undocumented or long-term immigrants. Advocates are rallying in support of the immigration registry bill 2025, calling it a long-overdue update to outdated policies. Those who could benefit include:

Immigrants who have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 7 years
People with no serious criminal record
Dreamers (those who came to the U.S. as children)
TPS holders (Temporary Protected Status)
Children of long-term visa holders at risk of “aging out” of their status
H-1B workers stuck in long green card backlogs

What This Bill Means

The immigration registry bill 2025 could be a game-changer for millions of undocumented immigrants seeking lawful permanent residency.

The biggest change proposed in the bill is to make the registry date rolling rather than fixed. Under current law, the registry date is set in 1972. This bill would change that to allow anyone who has been living in the U.S. for 7 years or more to apply for a green card, regardless of the original registry year.

This would significantly modernize the immigration system and reflect the current realities of millions of undocumented or long-term immigrants in the country.

An estimated 8 million immigrants could benefit if this bill becomes law.

It’s important to note that eligibility doesn’t mean automatic approval. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would still review each application and ensure the applicant meets all necessary criteria, including criminal background checks and continuous residence requirements.

What Are the Chances of Passing?

Immigration reform is always difficult in the U.S. Congress, and this bill is no exception. The political climate in 2025 is sharply divided, and with Republicans holding the majority, opposition is expected.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is a commonsense fix that could help stabilize families, reduce backlogs, and stimulate the economy by allowing more people to work legally and pay taxes.

Opponents, however, label it “amnesty” and argue that it undermines the legal immigration process. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, many lawmakers may avoid taking a firm stance.

Still, advocacy groups and legal experts believe the bill provides a practical solution to an outdated system and hope for bipartisan support.

What You Can Do Now

Although the bill is not yet law, now is the time to prepare if you or your family members might qualify.

Here’s what you can start doing:

Collect proof of continuous residence in the U.S. for the past 7 years
Ensure that you have no serious criminal record
Speak with an experienced immigration attorney about your options
Gather documents such as tax records, employment history, school records, and lease agreements that show you’ve lived in the U.S. for an extended time

Preparation now can make all the difference later if the law changes.

Legal Help for Immigration Cases

At Shepelsky Law Group, we help immigrants every day navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Whether you’re looking to adjust your status, explore new legal paths, or prepare for potential reform like this bill, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

We understand how overwhelming immigration law can be—and we’re committed to making it as smooth and empowering as possible.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you or a loved one might benefit from this potential change in law:

Call us at (718) 769-6352
Or schedule an online consultation:
https://shepelskylaw.cliogrow.com/book

Don’t wait—staying proactive is the first step toward securing your legal future in the United States.