- California Senator Alex Padilla on Monday (July 27, 2026) reiterated support for his 'Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929' bill, first introduced last year.
- According to a statement from Mr. Padilla's office, only 305 people adjusted their immigration status under the current Registry provision between 2015 and 2019, rendering the current 1972 entry cutoff largely ineffective.
California Senator Alex Padilla is advocating for his bill aimed at reforming immigration pathways, which could benefit over eight million individuals, including Dreamers and essential workers.1
The bill, known as the 'Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929', was first introduced last year and seeks to address the inadequacies of the current immigration system.
According to Padilla's office, only 305 people adjusted their immigration status under the existing provisions from 2015 to 2019, indicating a significant gap in the system's effectiveness.2
The proposed legislation would create a pathway for various groups, including Temporary Protected Status holders and H-1B visa holders, who have faced long wait times for green cards.
Data indicates that Indians make up approximately 80% of the pending employment-based green card backlog, with wait times stretching from 15 years to several decades.
Padilla's renewed push highlights the urgent need for immigration reform to address these longstanding issues and provide relief to millions waiting for legal status.
“The proposed bill aims to address the ineffectiveness of the current Registry provision, which has seen only 305 adjustments in immigration status from 2015 to 2019. This change is particularly significant for the Indian community, which has been advocating for more accessible immigration pathways.”
