Archive · 29 Jul 2026
US Bill Revives Green Card Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders
A bill introduced by Senator Alex Padilla of California aims to modernize immigration laws and provide a pathway to permanent residency for long-term residents, including H-1B visa holders.
The bill, known as the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, would allow immigrants to apply for lawful permanent resident status if they have lived continuously in the United States for at least seven years and meet all other existing green card eligibility requirements.
The proposal could benefit more than eight million people, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, essential workers, and children of long-term visa holders.
The bill has received support from more than 30 labor, immigration, and civil rights organizations, but faces an uncertain path in Congress due to deep partisan divisions over immigration.
Senator Alex Padilla of California introduced a bill to modernize immigration provisions and provide a pathway to permanent residency for long-term residents, including H-1B visa holders.
The bill, known as the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, would allow immigrants to apply for lawful permanent resident status if they have lived continuously in the United States for at least seven years and meet all other existing green card eligibility requirements.
The proposal could benefit more than eight million people, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, essential workers, and children of long-term visa holders.
The bill has received support from more than 30 labor, immigration, and civil rights organizations, but faces an uncertain path in Congress due to deep partisan divisions over immigration.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin is co-leading the measure, and Representative Zoe Lofgren of California is leading companion legislation in the House.
- Who
- Senator Alex Padilla of California, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Representative Zoe Lofgren of California, and 14 other senators
- What
- A bill to modernize immigration provisions and provide a pathway to permanent residency for long-term residents, including H-1B visa holders
- When
- The bill was introduced a year ago and is currently being renewed
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address the outdated immigration laws and provide a fair pathway to permanent residency for long-term residents who contribute to the US economy
Supporters of the Bill
Opponents of the Bill
Immigration Reform
Supporters of the Bill
Supporters argue that the bill modernizes outdated immigration laws and provides a fair pathway to permanent residency for long-term residents, including H-1B visa holders, who contribute significantly to the US economy.
Opponents of the Bill
Opponents contend that the bill could lead to an increase in illegal immigration and argue that it does not adequately address the root causes of illegal immigration.
- Bill Name
- Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929
- Sponsor
- Senator Alex Padilla of California
- Co-sponsors
- Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and 14 other senators
- House Companion
- Representative Zoe Lofgren of California
- Eligibility Criteria
- Continuous residence in the US for at least seven years, no criminal record, and meeting all existing green card eligibility requirements
- Current Eligibility Cutoff
- January 1, 1972
- Proposed Change
- Rolling requirement of seven years
- Effective Date
- 60 days after enactment
Sources
US bill revives green card pathway for H-1B visa holders
7 Years In The US Could Be Enough For Indian H-1B Holders To Qualify For Green Card
Green card wait for Indians hits 15 years: Can new US bill bring relief to H-1B workers, long-term residents?
