Bill Overview
Title: Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929
Description: This bill expands eligibility for a program that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to, at its discretion, provide lawful permanent resident status to certain long-term residents of the United States, including individuals who are unlawfully present. Currently, this program, sometimes referred to as the Registry program, is only available to eligible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who entered the United States before January 1, 1972. The bill removes this entry cutoff date and opens up the program to eligible individuals who have resided in the United States for at least seven years. Existing requirements (e.g., the individual must not be inadmissible or deportable due to certain grounds related to crime or terrorism) continue to apply.
Sponsors: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: Long-term residents of the United States, including undocumented immigrants, eligible for Registry program
Estimated Size: 11000000
- The Registry program modifies eligibility from requiring entry before January 1, 1972, to a more flexible 'at least seven years' residency in the US.
- The US Census Bureau estimates there are about 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
- Not all undocumented immigrants will qualify due to inadmissibility or deportability based on criminal or terrorist activities.
- Long-term residents with legal status who might have a lapsed documentation could also be eligible.
- Considering naturalization trends, a significant number of long-term residents could seek benefits from this provision.
Reasoning
- The Registry program modifies eligibility to a more flexible 'at least seven years' residency in the U.S., making it accessible to a broader portion of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S, while maintaining certain eligibility criteria.
- The budget is a constraint and serves as a check; it requires prioritization based on who could benefit most based on those already contributing to the economy or those with strong family ties in the U.S.
- Not all individuals qualify, as those with criminal or terrorism-related exclusions will remain ineligible. This narrows the target population to those who have integrated into society peacefully.
- Long-term residents facing lapsed documentation issues, such as those on expired visas, can have significant improvements in wellbeing if they gain lawful status.
- The policy's impact can vary depending on personal circumstances, like job opportunities or family reunification, for those who gain lawful permanent residency. However, the indirect impact on U.S. citizens (like family members) would be less but still relevant.
Simulated Interviews
domestic worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can finally provide me with a path to stay here permanently.
- I worry about staying under the radar all the time.
- I'm hoping this policy will let me find a job with better conditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
construction worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been unsettled, not being able to plan for the future.
- If this policy helps me get legal status, I could get a driver's license and feel safer at work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
cleaning service manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful for me and my kids' future with this policy.
- Legal residency wouldn't just mean work eligibility, but also peace of mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
software developer (New York, NY)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel stuck professionally without the correct paper status.
- This policy could allow me to advance my career and stay lawfully.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
college student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A path to permanent residency means I can plan long-term without fear of losing DACA.
- It would solidify my career plans post-graduation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
retail manager (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm legal, my brother isn't. This could help reduce our family stress.
- It's a necessary path for good people who contribute here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
restaurant worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I always worry about deportation affecting my family.
- This policy could help my family by providing stability and opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about my parents' ability to stay long-term.
- The new policy could bring peace to our household and let us plan for the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
construction foreman (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If it can let me work without fear, that would be a huge relief.
- I could bring my family together in a safe and secure way.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
retired (Newark, NJ)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might let my sister age here legally. It's crucial for our family.
- Having her documented means less stress and anxiety for our future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 3: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 5: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Key Considerations
- The legal and administrative costs associated with processing applications will be substantial.
- Potential economic contributions from newly legalized residents could offset some initial costs over time.
- Social services impacts are twofold: while access to certain benefits may increase costs, economic integration can also decrease dependency on other services.
- The impact on communities, in terms of social cohesion and public perception, though non-monetary, is significant.
- Long-term infrastructure and policy adjustments will be required for sustainable implementation.