Immigration lawyers explain 5 major changes for green card holders in 2026

Immigration attorney Sekou Clarke breaks down five major USCIS changes in his latest video green card U.S. holders that have taken effect or will take effect soon. Immigration is a key issue for Donald Trump’s administration, but it’s not just illegal immigrants who are under government surveillance; Legal immigration and even green card holders are also closely watched and restricted by policymakers.

No more SBA loans available starting March 1

Green card holders will not be able to obtain a Small Business Administration loan if they are part owners of the business seeking the loan. In order to qualify for an SBA loan, each direct and indirect owner must be a U.S. citizen. This prohibits green card holders from owning any percentage of a business seeking an SBA loan. Experts say many green card holders operate small businesses in the United States that make significant contributions to the economy.

More background checks

Sekou Clarke explained that while green card holders are lawful permanent residents and the next step is to apply for citizenship, the government is conducting more background checks on those who already have green cards after they apply for renewal or apply for citizenship. The government is looking for fraud, arrests and whether these people are eligible for green cards.

Mandatory biometric entry and exit

The rule, which takes effect in December 2025, will require mandatory biometric screening for all non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders when traveling abroad and upon entry. Clark explained that the government is paying close attention to the travel history of green card holders, as green card holders are required to stay in the United States for at least six months.

Refugees may be detained

A new policy released this month says refugees welcome to the United States may be detained if they have lived in the country for at least a year but have not yet obtained legal permanent residence. Refugee status was granted after rigorous security clearance, but now they face a new round of screening, inspections and even arrest if they do not become U.S. citizens within a year.

Surprise inspections of conditional green card holders

Clark said conditional green card holders can get unannounced visits from officials — either at their listed address or at their office address. A conditional green card is a residence permit for a specific year that can only be obtained if certain conditions are met, such as a marriage-based green card. Officials are conducting additional scrutiny on these green card holders to see if they are still married to the same person, living at the same address, etc.