Senate adopts resolution urging Congress to modernize 1929 immigration registry
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Summary
The California State Senate on the floor adopted Senate Joint Resolution 8 (SJR 8), calling on Congress to update the federal registry law created in 1929 and last meaningfully revised in 1986. The measure passed by voice/roll call and drew both support and objections during floor debate.
The California State Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 8 on the floor, urging Congress to modernize the federal immigration registry first created in 1929 and last updated in 1986. Senator Adegin presented the resolution and asked colleagues to support giving long‑term undocumented residents a path to lawful permanent status through a revised registry provision. The resolution passed with an official tally of Ayes 28, No 0 and was recorded adopted on the floor.
Why it matters: SJR 8 asks Congress to adjust the registry cutoff that currently dates to Jan. 1, 1972, by establishing a rolling eligibility date (the resolution cites an example of residency of seven years or more). Supporters said a modernized registry would provide immediate relief to long‑term immigrants who live, work, and pay taxes in the U.S. and California while broader federal immigration reform remains stalled.
On the floor, Senator Adegin described the registry as “a long standing legalization mechanism” and said SJR 8 “calls on Congress to modernize the registry by establishing a rolling eligibility date such as residency of 7 years or more.” She referenced federal bills under consideration in Congress, including H.R.1511 (Rep. Zoe Lofgren) and a Senate measure noted in the resolution record. Senator Reyes and others framed the measure as a practical step to protect families, workers and communities in California.
Opposition and concerns: Senator Trovo rose to record concerns about the resolution and the approach. He argued that incremental fixes would not substitute for a comprehensive, durable federal solution and warned against policies that allow undocumented people to “live in the shadows,” saying the state should press for an immigration system that is “transparent, accessible, equitable and efficient.” That objection was part of the floor debate but did not prevent adoption.
What the resolution requests: SJR 8 asks California’s congressional delegation and congressional leaders to update the federal registry mechanism (the record cites the Federal Registry Act of 1929 and the 1986 cutoff) and to consider legislation referenced in the resolution. The text and floor discussion asserted potential economic and fiscal benefits, citing a Center for American Progress estimate contained in the presentation that a modernized registry could increase wages and tax revenue nationally over 10 years.
Next steps and limits: The resolution is a formal statement by the State Senate urging federal action; it does not itself change immigration status or federal law. Supporters emphasized it as a pragmatic option to relieve long‑term residents while urging parallel comprehensive reform in Congress.
Votes at a glance SJR 8 — Adopted (Ayes 28, No 0). Motion: adopt Senate Joint Resolution 8 urging Congress to modernize the federal registry (mover: Senator Adegin).
