Investing in the American Dream Act

This bill, known as the "Investing in the American Dream Act," aims to clarify and broaden the eligibility criteria for several key Small Business Administration (SBA) financial assistance programs. Specifically, it defines "covered loans" to include 7(a) loans, microloans, loans guaranteed under Title V of the Small Business Investment Act, and SBA surety bond guarantees. The legislation seeks to ensure that a wider range of small business owners can access these vital resources.

A central provision of the bill is the expanded definition of an "eligible individual" who can own and control a qualifying small business. This definition encompasses various categories of non-citizens, provided they are lawfully present in the United States and authorized to be employed at the time of loan application. These categories include individuals granted asylum, refugees, nonimmigrants with authorized stays, lawfully admitted permanent residents (including conditional residents), and those granted deferred action under DACA.

To be eligible for a covered loan, a small business concern must be located in the United States and be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by either U.S. citizens or nationals, or these newly defined eligible individuals. The bill explicitly prohibits denying eligibility for a covered loan solely because the business is owned by eligible individuals, as long as all other requirements are met. Furthermore, it clarifies that the SBA does not have the authority to increase this 51 percent ownership requirement.