Green Card Through Registry in Baldwin Park: Path for Long-Term Residents
How undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. since before 1972 can become legal
Quick Answer
The registry provision (INA Section 249) allows certain long-term residents who have lived continuously in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972 to apply for lawful permanent residence regardless of how they entered.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Baldwin Park residents who have been in the United States for decades, the registry provision may offer a path to legal status. SoCal Immigration Services helps families understand this rarely-used but important immigration option.
What is the Registry Provision?
• Must have entered the U.S. before January 1, 1972
• Must have continuously resided in U.S. since then
• Must be a person of good moral character
• Must not be deportable on certain grounds
• No requirement for lawful entry
Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Entry before 1/1/1972 | Any manner of entry | Evidence of presence before date |
| Continuous residence | Since entry to present | Documents showing presence each year |
| Good moral character | No disqualifying crimes | Background check, no serious crimes |
| Not ineligible | No certain deportation grounds | Clean record on specified grounds |
| Admissible for citizenship | Could become citizen | Meet basic citizenship requirements |
Proving Entry Before January 1, 1972
- •School records from before 1972
- •Employment records
- •Tax returns or W-2s
- •Birth certificates of children born in U.S.
- •Medical records
- •Church or religious records
- •Government records (welfare, social services)
- •Affidavits from people who knew you
Continuous Residence Requirement
• Brief departures may be acceptable
• Long trips abroad can break continuity
• Must show residence for most years
• Gaps can be filled with affidavits
• More recent evidence is usually easier
Good Moral Character
- •Have been convicted of an aggravated felony
- •Have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude
- •Are or were a drug trafficker
- •Have engaged in prostitution
- •Have committed certain crimes within past 5 years
- •Have given false testimony for immigration benefits
Not Subject to Deportation Grounds
• Criminal grounds
• Security and terrorism grounds
• Nazi persecution
• Certain prior immigration violations
Some grounds can be waived, others cannot.
How to Apply
- 1Gather Evidence
Collect documents proving residence since before 1972
- 2Complete Form I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence
- 3Submit Medical Exam
Form I-693 from civil surgeon
- 4Pay Filing Fee
Current I-485 fee (fee waiver possible)
- 5Attend Biometrics
Fingerprinting and background check
- 6Interview (if required)
May be called for USCIS interview
Who Uses Registry?
• Elderly long-term residents without status
• People brought as children decades ago
• Individuals who entered without inspection long ago
• Those who overstayed visas before 1972
• People with no other path to legal status
Challenges with Registry Cases
• Finding documents from 50+ years ago
• Proving presence for every year
• Witnesses may have passed away
• Records may have been destroyed
• Memory of exact dates fades
• USCIS unfamiliarity with registry cases
Legislative Updates
• The registry date (1/1/1972) is set by law
• Congress can change the date
• There have been proposals to update it
• No updates have passed as of 2026
• A date change would help more people qualify
Baldwin Park Registry Services
- •Evaluating eligibility for registry
- •Gathering historical documentation
- •Preparing affidavits from witnesses
- •I-485 application preparation
- •Medical exam coordination
- •Arabic and English speaking support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What if I don't have documents from before 1972?
A: You can use affidavits from people who knew you then, combined with whatever records exist. The more evidence the better, but sworn statements can fill gaps.
Q:Does this help people who entered illegally?
A: Yes, that's one of the unique benefits of registry. There is no requirement for lawful entry - only that you entered before January 1, 1972 and have lived continuously since.
Q:Can I leave the U.S. while my registry case is pending?
A: Travel while the case is pending is risky for anyone without status. Consult an immigration attorney before any travel during the process.
Q:Why is the date still 1972?
A: Congress last updated the registry date in 1986 (Immigration Reform and Control Act). While there have been proposals to move it forward, none have passed. The 1972 date remains in the law.
Q:How long does registry processing take?
A: Registry cases are uncommon, and processing times vary. Expect it to take 12-24 months or longer. The challenge of verifying old evidence can extend processing.
Q:Can my children qualify if I do?
A: Children must qualify independently. If they were born in the U.S., they are citizens. If they entered with you before 1972 and meet all requirements, they can apply separately.
Have You Lived in the U.S. Since Before 1972?
The registry provision may offer you a path to a green card. Let us evaluate your case and help gather the necessary evidence.
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