US Immigration Law Changes 2026 — 7 New Rules Every Green Card Holder Must Know (New Rights)

Summary

The video outlines seven immigration-related changes it says may affect green card holders or people applying for immigration benefits in 2026. The presenter emphasizes that many rules target specific groups, not all permanent residents, and advises viewers to verify current information with official sources and consult an immigration professional.

1. Public charge: The video says a new rule taking effect September 18, 2026, allows officers to consider a wider range of public benefits when assessing certain green card applications. It says the rule concerns applicants—not people who already hold green cards—and that applications filed before the effective date remain under the previous rule.

2. Refugee status reviews: According to the video, a February 2026 DHS memo requires certain refugees to undergo review after one year and could lead to detention for people who do not appear. The policy is being challenged in court. The presenter says it concerns refugees who have not yet adjusted to permanent-resident status.

3. SBA loans: The video says lawful permanent residents are no longer permitted to own any share of a business seeking certain SBA-backed financing, under changes it describes as taking effect in March and April 2026. It recommends checking SBA guidance and confirming eligibility with a lender.

4. Naturalization: The presenter says applicants filing for citizenship on or after October 20, 2025, face a longer civics test. The video also describes changes to how good moral character is assessed, including closer consideration of factors such as traffic offenses, taxes, travel history, and honesty. It advises applicants to check which test applies to their filing date and review their records before applying.

5. Processing holds and court ruling: The video says USCIS put holds on some applications connected to people from 39 listed countries. It then reports that a federal court struck down four related policies in June 2026 and ordered processing to resume. The situation may change through further litigation, so affected applicants are advised to check their case status.

6. Biometric photographs at borders: The presenter says a DHS rule effective December 26, 2025, permits CBP to photograph noncitizens—including permanent residents—when entering or leaving the United States, with previous age exemptions removed. The video recommends keeping an accurate travel log, particularly for future citizenship applications.

7. Supreme Court ruling and returning residents: The video describes a June 2026 Supreme Court decision affecting some returning green card holders with suspected criminal or other inadmissibility issues. It says officers may have more latitude to treat such individuals as seeking admission, potentially affecting employment authorization or other benefits. The presenter says routine travel by people without relevant issues is unlikely to be affected and recommends consulting a lawyer before travel if there is an arrest or charge in one’s history.

The presenter also stresses that Form I-407 is used to voluntarily relinquish a green card and advises viewers not to sign documents they do not understand. The video’s general takeaway is to keep tax, address, and travel records organized, maintain ties to the United States when traveling, and seek qualified advice early.

Presenters or contributors: One unnamed narrator or presenter; no other identifiable contributors are named.