Big change for California small businesses: No more SBA loans for non-citizens - AP News

The Trump administration has barred non-citizens from accessing Small Business Administration loans in California, marking a significant shift in federal lending eligibility. The SBA has historically made loans available to a broader pool of applicants, including legal permanent residents and some visa holders, to support small business growth across diverse populations. This policy change narrows access to federal capital for immigrant-owned businesses at a time when such enterprises represent a substantial share of California's small business sector. The restriction aligns with the administration's broader immigration enforcement agenda and could limit startup funding and expansion opportunities for non-citizen entrepreneurs. The move raises questions about how it will affect communities that rely heavily on immigrant-owned businesses and whether other states will face similar restrictions.