Bill · H.R. 10248· House(119-HR-10248)
SERVICE for America Act
- Introduced
- 9/3/2026
- Last activity
- 9/3/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Ami Bera
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "SERVICE for America Act" creates a new "W-visa" for nonimmigrants working in public service jobs. These visas last for three years and can be extended once for another three years. The bill allows certain individuals who entered the U.S. as children, including DACA recipients, to apply for these visas if they meet specific residency and employment requirements. Additionally, it provides a path to permanent resident status for those in public service jobs who meet certain criteria. The act also expands AmeriCorps eligibility to include DACA recipients and certain others.
Yes· 3 of 26
Would immigrants be better off under this?+10
Directly provides new visa categories and a path to permanent residency.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+9
Directly benefits DACA recipients and those who entered as children.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?+9
Significant positive impact due to the high number of DACA recipients in this demographic.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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New Visa Opportunities: Section 2(b) allows eligible nonimmigrants to obtain W-visa status for three years, with a possible three-year extension, provided they work in public service.
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Employment Authorization: Section 2(b)(5) grants employment authorization to the W-visa holder, as well as their spouse and children.
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Path to Permanent Residency: Section 3(a) allows specific individuals, such as DACA recipients or those with W-visas, to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents if they have worked in public service for at least two years and meet residency requirements.
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Protection from Removal: Section 3(a)(ii)(iii) ensures that no alien can be detained or removed while their application for permanent residency under this subsection is pending.
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Expanded Service Opportunities: Section 4 makes DACA recipients and certain others eligible to participate in AmeriCorps.
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Humanitarian Waivers: Sections 2(b)(4) and 3(a)(ii) allow the Secretary to waive certain grounds of inadmissibility for family unity, humanitarian purposes, or the public interest.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Strict Eligibility Requirements: Section 2(b)(3) requires applicants to have been physically present in the U.S. for at least five years and to be employed in, or have an offer for, a specific "public service job," which may limit who can actually benefit.
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Limited Duration of Status: Section 2(b)(2) limits the W-visa to an initial three-year term with only one possible extension, meaning individuals may face status uncertainty after six years.
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Specific Job Restrictions: Section 2(a) limits the benefits to a specific list of "public service jobs," meaning those working in other essential but non-listed fields cannot access these visas.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+10Good For Hispanic Americans+9Good For Young Adults+9Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Children+5Good For Students+5Good For Native Americans+3Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Seniors+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Men+2Good For Middle Aged+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Women+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+8Improves Childcare Affordability+4Improves Poverty Reduction+4Improves Disability Rights+3Improves Racial Equity+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+4
- 9/3/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina