Immigration attorney explains 5 major changes for Green Card holders in 2026

Immigration attorney Sekou Clarke, in his latest video, broke down the five major changes for the Green Card holders in the US which are already in effect or coming into effect soon. Immigration is a crucial issue of the Donald Trump administration but it's not only illegal immigrants who are under the watch of the government; legal immigrants and even Green Card holders are also being closely watched and being restricted as decided by the policy makers.

No SBA loan from March 1

Green Card holders will not get Small Business Administration loans if they are part owner of the venture for which the loan is sought. To qualify for SBA loans, every direct and indirect owner has to be US citizens. This bars Green Card holders from holding any percentage of a business seeking an SBA loan. Many Green Card holders run small businesses in the US and these small enterprises have their significant contribution to the economy, according to experts.

More background checks

Sekou Clarke explained that though Green Card holders are legal permanent residents and the next step in the ladder is to apply for citizenship, the administration is doing more background checks for those who already have Green Cards once they apply for renewal or go for citizenship. The administration is looking for frauds, arrests and also if these individuals were eligible for Green Card in the first place.

Mandatory biometric entry-exit

This rule came into effect in December 2025, making biometric checking mandatory for all non-US citizens, which also includes Green Card holders when they travel outside the country and when they enter.

Clarke explained that the administration is keeping a tab on the travel history of Green Card holders as Green Card holders must stay in the US for at least six months.

Refugees could be detained

A new policy released this month says refugees who were welcomed to the US could be detained if they have lived in the country for at least a year but have not yet been granted lawful permanent residency. Refugee status is given after rigorous security vetting, but now they will face another round of screening, checking and even arrest if they do not become US citizens within a year.

Surprise checks for conditional green card holders

Conditional Green Card holders can get surprise visits from officials, Clarke said -- at their listed address, or at their office address. Conditional Green Cards are residency permits for specific years, only if some conditions are met, such as marriage in a marriage-based Green Card. The officials are doing extra vetting for such Green Card holders are are checking whether they are still married to the same person, staying in the same address etc.