Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Reintroduces Immigration Reform Solution

By: Ashmar Mandou

With immigration reform stalled in Washington D.C., U.S. Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and several colleagues have reintroduced the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, known as the ‘Registry Bill,’ this week. This bill aims to update the expiration date for permanent residency, allowing certain long-term residents to apply for legal status.

“Updating our registry law would provide permanent protections to thousands of people in Illinois and millions around the country who have lived, raised families, and paid taxes in the United States for years. While the Trump administration carries on with its brutal persecution of immigrants, we are presenting a real solution to allow hard-working immigrants an opportunity to obtain permanent residency so they can continue contributing to our country,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García.  The bill seeks to provide a pathway to permanent residency for immigrant youth, workers with Temporary Protected Status, and those in visa backlogs. García emphasized, “Detentions and deportations do not make our country great. Giving people an opportunity to achieve the American Dream does.” Supporters argue the bill addresses outdated laws and helps integrate undocumented individuals contributing to the U.S. economy.

The registry provision, first enacted on March 2, 1929, permits certain immigrants who have been continuously present in the United States to apply for permanent residency if they have a clean record. The last update was part of the Ronald Reagen-era 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act when the cutoff date was set to January 1, 1972. Nearly 40 years have passed since this important immigration provision was updated. The Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would:

• Amend the existing Registry statute by moving the eligibility cutoff date so that an immigrant may qualify for lawful permanent resident status if they have been in the U.S. for at least seven years before filing an application under Registry.

• Preempt the need for further congressional action by making the eligibility cutoff rolling, instead of tying it to a specific date, as it is now.

“America’s strength lies in the people who build it—many of whom are immigrants who have lived, worked, and raised families in our communities for decades. From our hospitals to our classrooms to our construction sites, they are essential to our economy and our future. Yet our outdated immigration laws continue to trap these individuals in legal limbo, denying them the stability and dignity they’ve earned,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “The Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 is a commonsense, compassionate update that reflects the reality of modern America. It creates a fair, rigorous, and long-overdue process for long-term residents to adjust their status and fully participate in the country they already call home. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation to ensure our immigration system lives up to our values of fairness, justice, and opportunity for all.”