Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Senator Padilla Proposes Green‑Card Fast‑Track Bill
A U.S. senator named Alex Padilla wants to change a rule that lets people get a green card.
Right now, only people who have lived in the U.S. since 1972 can apply.
Padilla’s bill would let anyone who has lived in the U.S. for seven years get a green card.
This could help many people, especially Indians who work in the U.S. on H‑1B visas.
Some senators and human‑rights groups support the bill, but Republicans in Congress might stop it from becoming law.
The bill also wants to protect children of long‑term visa holders who could lose their legal status when they turn 21.
Senator Alex Padilla proposes replacing the 1972 cutoff with a rolling seven‑year residency requirement for green‑card eligibility.
The bill could allow over 8 million long‑term residents, including many Indian H‑1B workers, to apply for lawful permanent residency.
Support comes from Senate Democrats, including Dick Durbin, and more than 30 human‑rights groups.
Republican control of the House and Senate makes the bill’s passage uncertain.
The proposal also aims to protect “documented dreamers,” children of long‑term visa holders who risk losing status at 21.
- Who
- U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and his supporters
- What
- A bill to replace the 1972 cutoff with a rolling seven‑year residency requirement for green‑card eligibility
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To modernize immigration laws and provide a fair pathway to lawful permanent residency for long‑term residents
- Bill name
- Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 (Registry Bill)
- Proposed by
- Senator Alex Padilla
- Eligibility requirement
- Continuous residence of at least seven years
- Target population
- Over 8 million long‑term residents, including Indian H‑1B workers
- Supporters
- Senate Democrats, Dick Durbin, 30+ human‑rights groups
- Opposition
- Republican majority in Senate and House