| Photo by Frank Kastle on Unsplash
NEW YORK — Federal policy shifts taking effect in 2026 are reshaping what it means to live, work, and travel in the United States as a green card holder. From small‑business financing to biometric screening and refugee processing, these changes touch multiple points of daily life for millions of lawful permanent residents. Advocacy groups say the impact will be felt most sharply in communities of color, which make up a significant share of America’s immigrant population.
For Filipino Americans—one of the largest green‑card‑holding groups in the country—the new rules land at a moment when families are rebuilding businesses, traveling more frequently, and sponsoring relatives through long‑standing immigration pathways. Community leaders say the sudden shifts have created uncertainty, especially for entrepreneurs and frequent travelers who depend on predictable federal procedures.
To help readers understand what’s changing and why it matters, we’ve prepared a straightforward Q&A that breaks down the new rules, highlights concerns raised by immigrant‑rights groups, and explains how these policies may affect the everyday lives of green card holders. A full disclaimer is included to ensure readers understand this information is not legal advice but a guide to the verified facts now in effect.
Disclaimer: This Q&A is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies may change, and individual circumstances vary. Readers should consult an immigration attorney for guidance on specific cases.
Why are green card rules changing in 2026?
Several federal agencies — including the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — have issued new rules aimed at tightening program integrity, expanding security screening, and revising long‑standing procedures for refugees adjusting to permanent residency. These changes were finalized between late 2025 and early 2026 and are now taking effect.
Advocates say the cumulative impact falls heavily on communities of color, who make up a large share of America’s 14 million lawful permanent residents.
What is the new SBA rule affecting green card holders?
Beginning March 1, 2026, the SBA now requires that 100% of all direct and indirect owners of a business applying for SBA‑backed loans be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. It means green card holders can no longer own any percentage of a business seeking SBA financing.
The rule was published on February 2, 2026, and represents a major departure from decades of practice.
“This is a devastating setback for immigrant entrepreneurs,” said John Yang, president of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, in a public statement. “Communities of color have long used small business ownership as a pathway to economic mobility.”
How does this affect Filipino American entrepreneurs?
Fil‑Am communities have one of the highest rates of small‑business ownership among Asian American groups, especially in food service, home‑care, logistics, and retail. Many rely on SBA loans to expand or stabilize their businesses.
The new rule may:
- Limit access to startup capital
- Slow expansion for family‑run businesses
- Affect multi‑status households where some owners are citizens and others are LPRs
Community organizations say the rule could disproportionately affect first‑generation Fil‑Am entrepreneurs who are still on the path to citizenship.
What’s changing with biometric screening for green card holders?
A DHS rule effective December 26, 2025, authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect facial biometrics from all non‑U.S. citizens — including green card holders — at airports, land borders, and seaports.
The rule removes earlier limits on pilot programs and allows biometric collection at “any authorized point of departure,” according to DHS.
“This final rule marks a major milestone… to strengthen the security of the United States,” said Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations.
Advocates warn that communities of color may face disproportionate scrutiny due to algorithmic bias in facial recognition systems.
Will this affect Fil‑Am travelers?
Potentially. Many Filipino Americans travel frequently between the U.S. and the Philippines for family, business, or caregiving. The new biometric requirements may:
Lengthen screening times
Increase secondary inspections for travelers whose biometrics flag inconsistencies.
Affect older travelers whose facial features may be harder for algorithms to match.
However, DHS maintains that the system improves accuracy and speeds up processing.
What’s changing for refugees applying for green cards?
A February 18, 2026, DHS memo states that refugees who miss their one‑year green card review may be arrested and detained for the duration of the inspection process. It reverses protections that have been in place since 2010.
“Detention should never be the default,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. “These communities have survived trauma. Policies like this retraumatize them.”
What should green card holders do now?
While this Q&A cannot offer legal advice, immigrant‑rights groups recommend:
- Staying informed about policy changes
- Keeping travel documents updated
- Consulting an immigration attorney before major business or travel decisions
-With Ricky Rillera and Jay Domingo
