American Entrepreneurs First Act of 2025

The American Entrepreneurs First Act of 2025 would change how the Small Business Administration processes loan applications. Currently, the SBA offers loans to help small business owners start or expand their businesses. This bill would require applicants seeking SBA loans under two specific programs—the 7(a) loan program and the Small Business Investment Act program—to provide documentation proving their citizenship status. Applicants would need to submit their date of birth and prove they are either U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents. If a business is applying, the bill would require that 100 percent of the business be owned by people who meet these citizenship requirements.

Under the bill, certain categories of people would become ineligible for these loans. This includes individuals on temporary visas, those granted deferred action under DACA, and people present in the United States without lawful immigration status. Any loan application submitted after the bill becomes law that lacks the required citizenship documentation would be rejected. Similarly, if a business has any owners who fall into these ineligible categories, the entire business would be barred from receiving an SBA loan.