The Padilla green card bill would replace the Registry’s January 1, 1972 cutoff with a rolling seven-year rule. Supporters say it could help more than 8 million long-term residents, including Dreamers, TPS holders and some H-1B workers, but the measure remains in committee.
Sen. Alex Padilla renewed his push on July 27, 2026, for legislation that could allow millions of long-term U.S. residents to apply for lawful permanent residency. The California Democrat’s proposal, S. 2468, was introduced on July 28, 2025, and remains before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Seven-year Registry pathway
The Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would amend Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, commonly called the Registry. Current law generally requires applicants to have entered the United States before January 1, 1972.
Padilla’s bill would replace that fixed cutoff with a rolling rule allowing a person who entered the country at least seven years before applying to seek permanent residency. The change would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Who could benefit
Padilla’s office says the measure could provide a potential green card pathway for more than 8 million people. Groups cited include Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, essential workers, children of long-term visa holders and highly skilled workers, including some H-1B professionals waiting for employment-based visa numbers.
The proposal would not automatically issue green cards. Applicants would still have to apply through the Registry process, have no criminal record and meet other existing eligibility requirements. The Department of Homeland Security would retain authority over individual applications.
Support in Congress
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin is co-leading the measure, with 13 additional Senate cosponsors identified by Padilla’s office. Rep. Zoe Lofgren is leading the House companion legislation, H.R. 4696. More than 30 labor, immigration and civil rights organizations have endorsed the proposal.
Passage remains uncertain
The Senate bill has not advanced beyond its referral to the Judiciary Committee. The House measure was referred to its Judiciary Committee after being introduced on July 23, 2025.
Without committee approval or floor votes, the proposal remains a possible future pathway rather than a change in current immigration law. Lawmakers would need to advance it through both chambers before it could be sent to the president.
