BREAKING: The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that noncitizens will no longer be eligible for SBA loans starting March 1. The decision is being framed as part of a broader effort to tighten eligibility rules for federally backed financial programs.

SBA loans are government-backed loans designed to help small businesses access capital for startup costs, expansion, payroll, and recovery. Supporters of the change argue that taxpayer-funded programs should prioritize U.S. citizens and ensure federal resources are allocated domestically. Critics counter that many legal permanent residents and visa holders operate successful businesses that create American jobs, and restricting access could slow local economic growth.

The move highlights a recurring debate in U.S. policy: how to balance immigration enforcement priorities with economic development goals. As small businesses remain a key driver of employment, changes to lending access could have ripple effects across multiple sectors.