House Passes American Entrepreneurs First Act to Implement Citizenship Verification for SBA Loans

On Friday, the House passed H.R. 2966, the American Entrepreneurs First Act, which restricts noncitizens from receiving Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.

The bill passed with a vote of 217-190, with eight Democrats joining all Republicans.

The American Entrepreneurs First Act will:

This bill revises the application requirements for the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan and 504 loan programs.

Specifically, the bill requires applications for such loans to include (1) the applicant’s date of birth; and (2) a certification that the applicant or all beneficial owners are citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

The bill specifies that certain individuals are ineligible for such loans, including (1) asylees, (2) refugees, (3) individuals issued a visa to remain in the United States, (4) individuals legally classified as nonimmigrants, (5) individuals to whom deferred action has been granted pursuant to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and (6) individuals without lawful status under the immigration laws of the United States.

If the bill passes the Senate and is signed by President Donald Trump, it will require applicants for SBA loans to submit documentation proving their citizenship status.

Sponsor Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) shared on X, “PASSED: H.R. 2966 – American Entrepreneurs First Act.”

“My common-sense legislation ensures SBA funds go to American citizens, not to individuals or businesses with foreign or undocumented ownership.”

“@HouseGOP is standing up for American small businesses and protecting taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse.”