Congresswoman Julie Johnson Introduces National Service Access for Dreamers Act

Image September 15, 2026 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 Contact: Chelsea Roe, Communications Director Chelsea.Roe@mail.house.gov or (469) 323-4184 Congresswoman Julie Johnson Introduces National Service Access for Dreamers Act Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32) , the Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, together with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, introduced the National Service Access for Dreamers Act , legislation that would make DACA recipients eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award once they have completed national service. Currently, DACA recipients can participate in AmeriCorps VISTA, working with nonprofits and public agencies to combat poverty and strengthen communities. However, federal law does not allow them to earn the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award because of their citizenship status. The National Service Access for Dreamers Act would close that gap by allowing eligible DACA recipients who complete AmeriCorps service to receive the education benefit tied to that service. “The National Service Access for Dreamers Act will help relieve the increasing costs of higher education in Texas and across the country,” said Congresswoman Johnson . “DACA recipients who serve their communities through AmeriCorps should have access to the same education benefits their fellow members earn. This bill makes sure their service is recognized and gives more young people the opportunity to invest in their education and their future.” “The AmeriCorps program and the Segal Education Award give people the opportunity to serve our communities and pursue higher education. National service programs that pair career development with educational access should be open to all students, regardless of income or immigration status,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “I’m proud to co-lead the National Service Access for Dreamers Act with Congresswoman Julie Johnson, which would expand the Segal Education Award’s eligibility to DACA recipients. I urge my colleagues to join us to ensure more accessible, inclusive opportunities for our young people.” To read the full text of the legislation, click here. Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32 nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties. Issues : Homeland Security Economy Education