Green Card Through Registry in Compton: Immigration for Long-Term Residents
Understanding the registry provision for immigrants living in the U.S. since before 1972
Quick Answer
For long-term residents in Compton who have lived continuously in the United States since before January 1, 1972, the registry provision offers a unique path to lawful permanent residence. SoCal Immigration Services helps qualifying individuals understand and apply for this little-known immigration benefit.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For long-term residents in Compton who have lived continuously in the United States since before January 1, 1972, the registry provision offers a unique path to lawful permanent residence. SoCal Immigration Services helps qualifying individuals understand and apply for this little-known immigration benefit.
What is the Registry Provision?
Key Features:
• For people in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972
• Allows green card for people who entered without inspection
• Does not require a visa or family petition
• Available to people who overstayed visas
• One of the few options for certain undocumented immigrants
Registry Eligibility Requirements
- •Entered the United States before January 1, 1972
- •Have resided continuously in the U.S. since entry
- •Are a person of good moral character
- •Are not ineligible for citizenship
- •Are not deportable for certain criminal or security grounds
- •Were not admitted in a lawful status that has not expired
The 1972 Date Requirement
Calculating Eligibility:
• Must have physically entered U.S. before January 1, 1972
• This means continuous presence for over 50 years
• Short trips abroad may not break continuous residence
• Extended absences may disqualify you
Who Qualifies Today:
• Generally, people who were at least young children in 1971
• Now would be in their 50s, 60s, or older
• Often from Mexico, Central America, or other countries
Continuous Residence Requirement
| Absence Type | Impact on Registry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brief trips (days) | Usually not a problem | Normal vacation travel |
| Short trips (weeks) | May be acceptable | Document purpose and ties |
| Extended absence (months) | Problematic | May break continuous residence |
| Years abroad | Likely disqualifying | Unless strong evidence of ties |
Good Moral Character
Factors Considered:
• Criminal history (some crimes are bars)
• Honesty with immigration authorities
• Payment of taxes
• Child support obligations
• Community ties and contributions
Potential Bars:
• Certain criminal convictions
• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Drug violations
• Multiple criminal offenses
Proving Entry Before 1972
- •School records from early 1970s or before
- •Medical records or vaccination records
- •Employment records from that era
- •Church records (baptism, communion, confirmation)
- •Tax records from early years
- •Social Security records
- •Census records if available
- •Affidavits from people who knew you then
- •Photos with date-stamped evidence
- •Immigration records showing entry
Filing for Registry
Form I-485:
• File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
• Check the box for registry (Section 249)
• Submit all required documents
• Pay filing fee ($1,225 for adults)
• Attend biometrics appointment
• Attend interview (may be waived)
Registry vs. Other Green Card Options
| Option | Key Requirement | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registry | In U.S. since pre-1972 | No visa needed | Very old date requirement |
| Family Petition | Qualifying relative | Common option | May have long wait |
| Cancellation | 10 years + hardship | More recent arrivals | Requires removal proceedings |
| VAWA | Abuse victim | Self-petition available | Specific circumstances |
| U Visa | Crime victim | Leads to green card | Requires certification |
Can Congress Update the Registry Date?
History of Registry Dates:
• 1929: Original registry provision created
• 1940: Updated to June 28, 1940
• 1958: Updated to June 30, 1948
• 1965: Updated to June 30, 1948 (maintained)
• 1986: Updated to January 1, 1972 (IRCA)
Future Updates:
• Various bills have proposed updating to more recent dates
• No change has passed since 1986
• Comprehensive immigration reform often includes registry updates
• As of 2026, the date remains January 1, 1972
After Registry Approval
- •You receive lawful permanent resident status (green card)
- •Green card backdated to date of registry
- •Can apply for citizenship after 5 years
- •Can sponsor family members
- •Can travel freely with re-entry permit
- •Eligible for most public benefits
- •Protected from deportation (absent grounds for removal)
Compton Registry Services
- •Registry eligibility evaluation
- •Historical document gathering assistance
- •Affidavit preparation from witnesses
- •Form I-485 preparation for registry
- •Good moral character documentation
- •Interview preparation
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:I've been in the U.S. since 1975. Can I use registry?
A: No, unfortunately. Registry requires entry before January 1, 1972. If you entered in 1975, you would need to explore other options such as family petitions, cancellation of removal, or waiting to see if Congress updates the registry date.
Q:I don't have documents from 1971. How can I prove I was here?
A: Many registry applicants rely on affidavits from people who knew them at that time. School records, church records, medical records, and other institutional records can also help. We help gather whatever evidence exists.
Q:I've left the U.S. several times since 1972. Does that disqualify me?
A: Not necessarily. Brief trips abroad generally don't break continuous residence. Extended absences are more problematic. We evaluate your specific travel history to determine if continuous residence can be established.
Q:Do I need a job offer or family sponsor for registry?
A: No. Registry is one of the few green card options that doesn't require a family sponsor, employer sponsor, or visa petition. It's based solely on your long-term presence in the United States.
Q:I have old misdemeanors. Can I still get registry?
A: It depends on the specific offenses. Some crimes bar good moral character findings. Others may be overcome with evidence of rehabilitation. We evaluate your criminal history to advise on eligibility.
Q:How long does registry processing take?
A: Registry cases are processed as I-485 applications, typically taking 12-24 months currently. Cases requiring extensive historical documentation or interviews may take longer.
Think You Qualify for Registry in Compton?
If you've lived in the United States since before 1972, you may be eligible for a green card through registry. Our team helps gather historical evidence and prepare your application.
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