The Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025 is a proposed law that aims to move Small Business Administration (SBA) offices out of areas known as "sanctuary jurisdictions." These are places that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The bill seeks to ensure that SBA offices are located in areas that comply with federal immigration laws.
What This Bill Does
The Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025 requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to move its offices out of sanctuary jurisdictions. Sanctuary jurisdictions are places that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This means they might not share information about someone's immigration status or comply with certain federal requests.
If an SBA office is in a sanctuary jurisdiction, the SBA Administrator must publicly announce this and then begin the process of moving the office. The office must stop most of its operations within 60 days, and the move should be completed within 120 days. The goal is to relocate the office to a non-sanctuary area, preferably within the same state.
The bill also states that no new SBA offices can be set up in sanctuary jurisdictions. However, it makes an exception for places that only protect crime victims or witnesses from immigration-related actions. This means that if a jurisdiction's policies are just about protecting victims or witnesses, it won't be considered a sanctuary jurisdiction.
Why It Matters
This bill could have a significant impact on small businesses and SBA employees. For small business owners in sanctuary cities, losing a local SBA office might mean longer travel times to access services like loans and counseling. This could be especially challenging for urban and minority-owned businesses that rely on these services.
On the other hand, the bill could benefit areas that are not sanctuary jurisdictions. These places might see new SBA offices, which could make it easier for local businesses to access SBA services. The bill also aligns with federal immigration enforcement priorities, which some believe could lead to safer communities.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: There is no specific cost estimate, but relocations imply potential expenses for the SBA.
- Timeline for Implementation: Once an office is identified in a sanctuary jurisdiction, it must relocate within 120 days.
- Number of People Affected: SBA employees and small business owners in sanctuary jurisdictions will be directly impacted.
- Key Dates: The bill was introduced on April 17, 2025, and passed the House in June 2025.
- No CBO Score: There is no Congressional Budget Office score available for this bill.
- Victim Protection Exception: Jurisdictions are not considered sanctuary solely for protecting crime victims or witnesses.
- Rapid Legislative Progress: The bill moved quickly through the legislative process, indicating strong interest and support.
Arguments in Support
- Enhances Safety: Supporters argue that moving SBA offices out of sanctuary cities will protect citizens and small businesses from crime.
- Federal Law Compliance: The bill ensures that SBA offices are located in areas that comply with federal immigration laws.
- Improves Service Delivery: Relocating offices to compliant areas could make SBA services more accessible to small businesses.
- Prevents Future Issues: By banning new offices in sanctuary areas, the bill aims to prevent future compliance problems.
- Bipartisan Support: The bill passed the House with support from both parties, indicating a shared interest in the proposed changes.
Arguments in Opposition
- Disrupts Services: Critics worry that moving offices will disrupt services and negatively impact small businesses that rely on local SBA offices.
- Broad Definition of Sanctuary: The bill's definition of sanctuary jurisdictions might unfairly penalize areas with specific, narrow policies.
- Financial and Administrative Burden: Relocating offices could be costly and challenging without clear funding or resources.
- Federal Overreach: Some see the bill as an overreach into local policies and autonomy regarding immigration.
- Impact on Diverse Communities: Moving offices out of urban areas could reduce access for diverse and immigrant-owned businesses.