U.S. lawmakers introduce bill for residency pathway via public-service jobs

U.S. Representatives Ami Bera and Deborah Ross have introduced the SERVICE for America Act, a legislative proposal designed to provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible ‘Dreamers’ and children of long-term visa holders who work in public-service roles.

The bill targets young immigrants working in sectors such as healthcare, education, public safety, the military, social work, and government or nonprofit organizations. It specifically aims to assist ‘Documented Dreamers’—individuals who entered the U.S. legally as dependents of employment-based visa holders but face the loss of their status upon turning 21 due to lengthy green-card backlogs.

Under the proposed law, a new W nonimmigrant visa would be established for qualifying employees. This visa would be valid for three years and eligible for a single three-year extension for those continuing in qualifying roles. To qualify, applicants must generally have lived legally in the U.S. for at least five years as a dependent of an employment-based nonimmigrant or have received protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.