A new bill in Congress could create a new way for some young immigrants to get a Green Card.
The SERVICE for America Act would create a new visa for eligible DACA recipients, Dreamers and Documented Dreamers who work in certain public-service jobs.
The bill could be important for people who grew up in the U.S. but do not have a permanent immigration status.
However, there is one important thing to remember: this is only a proposed bill. It is not law yet.
Here is what the bill could mean in simple terms.
What Is the SERVICE for America Act?
The SERVICE for America Act was introduced in Congress by Representatives Ami Bera and Deborah Ross in September 2026. The bill is H.R. 10248. It would create a new type of temporary visa called a W visa for certain people who work in public-service jobs.
The bill would also create a possible path to a Green Card for some people who came to the U.S. as children and meet the requirements.
Public-service jobs could include work in areas such as:
- Health care
- Education
- Public safety
- Military service
- Social work
- Early childhood education
- Government
- Nonprofit organizations
The bill would also expand opportunities for some eligible young immigrants to serve through AmeriCorps.
Who Could Qualify?
The bill would not give a Green Card automatically.
A person would need to meet specific requirements.
Generally, the bill would cover people with one of these backgrounds:
- People who lived legally in the U.S. for at least five years as the dependent child of an employment-based visa holder
- People who have protection under DACA
They would also need to have a qualifying public-service job or a job offer for one.
In simple terms, the proposed program would connect public-service work with a possible immigration benefit.
How Would the New W Visa Work?
If the bill becomes law, eligible applicants could apply for the new W visa.
The W visa would generally last for three years.
It could then be renewed once for another three years if the person continues to meet the requirements and works in an eligible public-service job.
The bill would also provide immigration status and work authorization for the spouse and minor children of a W-visa holder under the proposed program.
How Could Someone Get a Green Card?
The proposed bill would create a path from the W visa to permanent residence for eligible people.
A person would generally need to:
- Meet the requirements for the program
- Work in a qualifying public-service job
- Complete at least two years of qualifying public-service work
- Have at least seven years of total physical presence in the U.S.
- Meet the other requirements in the bill
After meeting the requirements, the person could apply for lawful permanent residence, commonly called a Green Card.
The Green Card would not be automatic. The applicant would still need to qualify under the rules in the bill.
Why Are Documented Dreamers Paying Attention?
Documented Dreamers are children who came to the U.S. legally with parents who have certain employment-based visas.
Many of these children grow up in the U.S., attend American schools and build their lives here.
But some can face a problem when they turn 21.
In some cases, they may no longer qualify as dependents on their parents’ immigration applications. This is often called “aging out.”
The problem can be especially difficult for families waiting many years for a Green Card because of immigration backlogs.
The SERVICE for America Act would create a possible new path for some of these young immigrants if they meet the bill’s requirements.
What About DACA Recipients?
DACA recipients are also included in the proposed legislation.
Under the bill, certain DACA recipients could qualify for the new W visa if they meet the required conditions, including working in a qualifying public-service job.
The bill would also allow eligible DACA recipients to participate in AmeriCorps under the proposed changes.
This could give eligible individuals another way to participate in public service while working toward a possible immigration benefit.
The Important Numbers
Here are some of the numbers often discussed when looking at Dreamers and Documented Dreamers:
- About 2.6 million — estimated Dreamer population in the U.S.
- 455,170 — active DACA recipients reported by USCIS in March 2026
- About 200,000 — estimated number of Documented Dreamers in the U.S.
- 89% — share of active DACA recipients who are employed
These numbers show the size of the population that could potentially be interested in immigration changes like this.
However, not everyone in these groups would qualify for the proposed program. The final requirements would depend on the law if Congress passes the bill.
Is the Bill Already Law?
No.
This is very important.
The SERVICE for America Act was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 3, 2026. It was then sent to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee for consideration.
This means the bill is still at an early stage.
It must go through the legislative process before it could become law. The bill could also be changed during that process.
Until Congress passes it and it becomes law, people cannot apply for a W visa or a Green Card under this proposal.
What Should DACA Recipients and Documented Dreamers Do Now?
If you are a DACA recipient or a Documented Dreamer, you should not wait for this bill before taking care of your current immigration status.
The bill may change as it moves through Congress, and there is no guarantee that it will become law.
For now, continue to follow the rules and keep your current immigration documents up to date.
Here are some forms that may be important, depending on your situation:
Form I-821D — DACA
If you currently have DACA, keeping your DACA renewal up to date can help you maintain your current protection and work authorization.
Form I-765 — Work Authorization
Form I-765 is used to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in many situations.
Keeping your work authorization current can be important if you are working or planning to work in a qualifying public-service job.
Form I-90 — Green Card Renewal
If you already have a Green Card and need to renew or replace it, Form I-90 may apply to you.
Renew or Replace Your Green Card
Other Immigration Forms
If you need help with another immigration process, you can review the available USCIS forms and services.
View the USCIS Forms Directory
The Bottom Line
The SERVICE for America Act could create a new immigration path for some Dreamers and Documented Dreamers who work in public service.
But the bill is not law yet.
For now, eligible individuals should continue maintaining their current immigration status and work authorization while watching for updates from Congress.
If the bill becomes law, USCIS and other government agencies would provide more information about how eligible applicants could apply.
