Last Thursday, March 9, a group of Democratic representatives introduced on the plenary session an initiative to modify the Registry Act, which aims at providing relief to around 8 million undocumented immigrants residing illegally in the United States.
The measure had already been implemented in 1972, and an attempt was made last year. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.
Together with the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, this Act could be one of the most important legal reforms in the immigration field, helping millions of undocumented immigrants to legalize their immigration status.
If you want to know how you can legalize your immigration status in the United States, at Jaskot Law, we can advise you on the matter. Contact us at +1 (410) 235-6868, or via email by using [email protected] for professional assistance.
What is the Registry Act?
The Registry, or Registry Act, is a section of the immigration law that allows all immigrants in good citizenship who have entered the United States since January 1, 1972, to apply for a Green Card (permanent residency), even if they are currently residing illegally in the country.
This is a measure to legalize the status of immigrants in good citizenship (that is, without a serious criminal record) who had arrived in the United States illegally.
Anyone who entered the country before January 1, 1972, may be eligible to apply for a Green Card under the Registry Act, regardless of their immigration status or age.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for citizenship under this Act, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have entered the United States before January 1, 1972.
- You must have resided continuously in the United States since your arrival.
- You must have good citizenship status.
- You must be eligible for naturalization (citizenship).
- You must have no grounds for deportation under section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA).
- You must not be inadmissible under section 212(a)(3)(E) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA), which states that you must not be involved in crimes unforgivable to immigration authorities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, etc.
Application process
To obtain a Green Card through the Registry Act, you must file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) along with the following documentation:
- Two passport photographs.
- Copy of a government issued photo ID.
- Copy of birth certificate.
- Copy of the passport page that contains the Non-Immigrant visa (if applicable).
- Copy of passport page that contains the admission (entry) stamp (if applicable).
- Form I-94, Entry and exit certificates (if applicable).
- Proof of entry into the United States prior to January 1, 1972.
- Proof of uninterrupted residence since arrival in the United States.
In addition, if you file your Green Card application under this Act, you will not have to undergo any medical examination.
If you believe that you or a family member can be eligible to obtain a Green Card under the Registry Act, at Jaskot Law, we can advise you on the matter. Contact us at +1 (410) 235-6868, or via email by using [email protected] for professional help.
The Democratic Project: 2023 Registry Act
We already know what the Registry Act is, but what is the Democratic Project? It pertains to the modification of the old immigration legal remedy. However, it should be made clear that it is not a matter of establishing a new registration of permanence date in the country, like the old law of 1972 established.
The new 2023 Registry Act seeks to establish that all undocumented immigrants who have at least 7 years of unauthorized stay, lack a criminal record, and are not inadmissible to remain in the country, may apply for a Green Card under the amended Registry Bill.
It is a bill that, if passed, could help around 8 million undocumented immigrants legalize their immigration status under legal protection in the United States. In addition, it may open a path to citizenship for those who benefit from adjustment of status five years after receiving residency.
The bill was introduced last Thursday, March 9, by Democratic Representatives Zoe Lofgren (California), Norma Torres (California), Lou Correa (California), Grace Meng (New York), Adriano Espaillat (New York), and Jesús “Chuy” García (Illinois). However, there is still a long way to go before the measure can materialize.
If you want to know how you can benefit from the current Registry Act, or are looking for a safe and legal way to get your Green Card, at Jaskot Law, we can advise you on the matter. Contact us at +1 (410) 235-6868 or via email by using [email protected] for professional help.
Sources
USCIS – Permanent Residency through Registry.
FAQs
What is the Registry Act?
The Registry is a section of U.S. immigration law that allows all immigrants who have entered the country since January 1, 1972, and meet certain eligibility criteria, to apply for a Green Card or permanent residency.
Who can apply for a Green Card under the current Registry Act?
Any person who entered the country before January 1, 1972, and meets the eligibility criteria may apply for a Green Card under the current Act, regardless of immigration status or age.
What are the eligibility criteria when applying for citizenship under the current Registry Act?
In order to apply for citizenship under this Act, you must:
– Have entered the United States before January 1, 1972.
– Have resided continuously in the United States since your arrival.
– Be in good citizenship character.
– Be eligible for naturalization (citizenship).
– Have no grounds for deportation.
– Not be inadmissible.
How is the Democratic Project to modify the current Act?
The renewed Act seeks to establish that all undocumented immigrants who have been undocumented for at least 7 years of unauthorized stay may apply for a Green Card under the amended Registry Act.
What would be the eligibility criteria for applying for citizenship under the new Registry Act?
If the new Registry Act is approved, all undocumented immigrants with 7 years of unauthorized stay who lack a criminal record, and are not inadmissible to remain in the country, would be eligible to apply for citizenship.
What remains to be done before the new Registry Act is enacted?
The bill was introduced last Thursday, March 9, by Democratic Reps. In order to be approved, it must be submitted to the House of Representatives. After approval at this stage, it will be sent to an evaluation committee for review and modification (if necessary). After this, it will be submitted for approval or denial. If approved, it will be sent to the Senate, and the House of Representatives to be analyzed and discussed again. It will then be voted on again in a plenary session of Congress. If approved again, it would be sent to the President for enactment.
