Update the Registry Act
The outdated registry date leaves millions—including Dreamers and TPS holders—without protection. Join JRS/USA in calling for reform.
It’s Time to Update the Registry Act
The Registry Act is a U.S. immigration law that allows long-term residents without legal status to apply for permanent residency—if they entered the country before a specific “registry date.” That date, January 1, 1972, has not been updated in more than 50 years.
Why the Registry Act Matters Today
At least 8 million immigrants, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and highly skilled H-1B visa workers, would qualify for lawful permanent resident status if not for this outdated cutoff.
The registry date was once updated regularly through bipartisan action to reflect fairness and reality. Today, its stagnation means that millions who have lived, worked, and contributed to U.S. communities for decades remain vulnerable to deportation—even though they meet all other requirements of the law.
The Human Cost of Inaction
Because the registry date remains frozen in 1972, non-criminal immigrants of good moral character who strengthen local economies and communities are at risk.
The current administration has already announced the termination of 10 of 22 TPS and parole programs, impacting people seeking humanitarian protection from Afghanistan, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, Honduras, Cameroon, and Nepal. These decisions leave families in limbo and entire communities uncertain about their futures.
What Updating the Registry Act Would Do
Updating the registry date would allow eligible long-term residents to apply for permanent residency if they:
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Demonstrate good moral character
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Have continuously lived in the United States for a set number of years
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Are not inadmissible or ineligible for citizenship
Such reform would bring stability to millions of immigrants who already live, work, and raise families here—while strengthening the moral foundation of U.S. immigration policy.
What You Can Do
Your voice can help persuade Congress to update the Registry Act and protects millions of families from unnecessary harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Registry Act do?
The Registry Act provides a path to lawful permanent residency for immigrants who have lived in the United States for many years, demonstrate good moral character, and entered before a “registry date.” Those who qualify can apply for permanent residency under this long-standing immigration provision.
Why is the 1972 registry date outdated?
The current registry cutoff—January 1, 1972—hasn’t been updated since 1986 through the Immigration Reform and Control Act. This means millions of long-term residents who meet all other eligibility requirements are excluded from lawful status simply because they entered the U.S. after that date. Historically, Congress has updated the registry date through bipartisan action, but it has remained frozen for four decades.
Who would benefit from updating it?
Updating the registry date would protect at least 8 million immigrants, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, H-1B visa workers, and other long-term residents who have continuously lived in the United States, contribute to local communities, and meet the legal and moral criteria for permanent residency.
How can updating the law help communities?
Allowing long-term residents to apply for permanent residency would stabilize families, strengthen the economy, and provide security for essential workers who are already integral to U.S. life. Legal permanence helps ensure fair treatment, community safety, and continuity for employers and neighborhoods alike.
Key Takeaway
Updating the Registry Act would finally align immigration policy with reality—offering millions of long-term residents the chance to live and work with stability, dignity, and legal protection.
