Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Padilla Bill Aims to Ease Green Card Path for Residents
Senator Alex Padilla from California wants to make it easier for people who have lived in the United States for a long time to get a Green Card, which lets them stay permanently.
His bill would let anyone who has lived in the U.S. for at least seven years apply for permanent residency.
It would change a rule that only allowed people who had been in the country before 1972 to apply.
The bill could help more than eight million people, like students, workers on H‑1B visas, and families who have lived in the U.S. for years.
It would also help many Indian workers who wait a long time for a Green Card.
To qualify, people must not have a criminal record and must meet other normal Green Card rules.
The bill is supported by many Democrats but opposed by Republicans.
It has not yet become law and may be hard to pass.
If it passes, it would give many long‑term residents a fair chance to become permanent residents.
Senator Alex Padilla introduced a bill to allow U.S. residents who have lived continuously for at least seven years to apply for a Green Card.
The proposal would amend Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, replacing the 1972 cutoff with a rolling seven‑year requirement.
The bill could benefit more than 8 million people, including Dreamers, TPS holders, children of long‑term visa holders, and H‑1B workers, especially Indian nationals.
Applicants must have no criminal record and meet all other existing Green Card eligibility requirements.
The measure faces opposition from Republicans and is unlikely to pass amid a hard‑line immigration agenda.
- Who
- Senator Alex Padilla and other U.S. lawmakers
- What
- A bill to allow long‑term U.S. residents to apply for a Green Card by meeting a seven‑year residency requirement
- When
- Introduced last year and reintroduced on July 27, 2023
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To modernize outdated immigration laws and provide a fair pathway for long‑term residents, especially H‑1B workers
- Bill Name
- Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929
- Eligibility
- Continuous residence of at least 7 years, no criminal record, meet other Green Card requirements
- Target Group
- Over 8 million, including Dreamers, TPS holders, H‑1B workers
- Current Status
- Introduced in Senate, facing Republican opposition
- Key Provisions
- Amend Section 249 to replace 1972 cutoff with rolling 7‑year requirement
