California Assembly urges Congress to modernize 1929 immigration registry

SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly on July 17 unanimously moved to press Congress to modernize a decades-old immigration registry and expand legal pathways for long-term residents.

Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 17, saying the state must urge federal action to allow immigrants who have lived continuously in the U.S. for years to apply for lawful permanent residency. “AJR 17 is a resolution that reflects our values and the urgent need for federal action,” Rodriguez said on the Assembly floor.

The resolution asks Congress to renew and modernize provisions in the Immigration Act of 1929 and to consider federal bills cited on the floor. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, stressing the economic contributions of immigrants and family unity. “Immigrants are the backbone of our state,” Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez said, adding that reforms would protect workers and strengthen communities.

Opponents did not stop the measure but the debate included discussion of implementation, the scope of federal authority and the specifics of which federal bills to endorse. Supporters cited estimates presented on the floor that nearly one in 10 California workers is undocumented and emphasized the economic and social risks of inaction.

The Assembly took a roll-call vote on the joint resolution; the clerk recorded 47 ayes and 7 noes, and the measure was adopted. The resolution is advisory and nonbinding: it asks federal lawmakers to act but does not change state law.

AJR 17’s passage adds California to a list of state bodies formally urging Congress to update the registry provisions and consider the named federal bills. Next steps are at the federal level; the resolution requests that congressional leaders and relevant federal agencies consider the state's position.