In his latest video, immigration attorney Sekou Clark explains the five major changes for US green card holders that are already in effect or will soon go into effect. Immigration is a critical issue for Donald Trump’s administration, but it’s not just illegal immigrants who are under government surveillance; Legal immigrants and even green card holders are also closely monitored and restricted as decided by policy makers.
No SBA loan as of March 1
Green card holders will not receive SBA loans if they are part owners of the business for which the loan is being requested. To qualify for SBA loans, each direct and indirect owner must be a US citizen. This prevents green card holders from keeping any percentage of a company seeking an SBA loan. Many green card holders run small businesses in the United States, and these small businesses make a significant contribution to the economy, according to experts.
How is Trump’s gold card different from the green card? A landmark strike amid the immigration battle?
More background checks
Sekou Clark explained that although green card holders are lawful permanent residents and the next step on the ladder is to apply for citizenship, the administration is conducting more background checks for those who already have green cards once they apply for renewal or citizenship. The department is looking for fraud and arrests and also whether these individuals qualify for a green card in the first place.
Mandatory biometric entry and exit
This rule went into effect in December 2025, making biometric verification mandatory for all non-US citizens, which also includes green card holders when they travel outside the country and when they enter.
Clark explained that the administration monitors the travel history of green card holders, as green card holders must remain in the United States for at least six months.
Refugees can be detained
A new policy issued this month says refugees welcomed into the United States can be detained if they have lived in the country for at least a year but have not yet obtained lawful permanent residency. They are granted refugee status after strict security vetting, but now they will face another round of screening, inspection 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 — at their listed address, or at their office address, Clark said. Conditional green cards are residence permits for specific years, only if certain conditions are met, such as getting married on a marriage-based green card. Officials conduct additional screening of green card holders, checking if they are still married to the same person, reside at the same address etc.
