The agency announced on Thursday that the US Small Business Administration will close its office in the episode in addition to five other offices in the cities of sanctuary throughout the country.
In the coming months, the agency said in a press statement that the regional offices in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Sayattle “will be transferred to less expensive and more accessible sites that better serve the small business community and compliance with the Federal Immigration Law.” The SBA's Springfield was not included in the list.
A spokesman for the agency said on Thursday that SBA services will not be affected by the transfer of its office in Chicago.
The closure of cities that are not compatible with immigration and customs efforts in the United States are punished for detention of migrants, as President Donald Trump urges public deportation and intense borders.
It also comes one day after Mayor Brandon Johnson at Capitol Hill witnessed before the House of Representatives Supervision and Government Reform Committee on the policy of the city of Malaz Chicago, along with the mayors in New York, Boston and Denver.
The agency will also implement a new policy that requires SBA loans to verify their nationality in the United States.
“During the era of President Trump, SBA is committed to the situation of American citizens first – starting with a guarantee that the money of the zero taxpayers will go to finance illegal foreigners,” SBA director, Kelly Levler, said in a press statement.
SBA said: “The lenders will be asked to confirm that the companies of the applicants are not fully owned or partly by an illegal foreigner, in line with President Trump's executive order that ends the taxpayer support for the open border.”
Loving said that the agency “will cut access to loans to illegal foreigners and transfer our regional offices from the cities of sanctuary that rewards criminal behavior.”
SBA does not export funding for small companies directly. People usually apply for SBA loans through banks and participating lenders.
But business advocates say that the closing of the Chicago office in SBA, at 332 S. Michigan Ave. , Harm small companies that need support.
“The transfer of the Chicago office will affect companies that depend on their services. Elliot Richardson, head of the Chicago Small Defense Council, said:“ Small companies should not be affected by the battles that they cannot control. ”Policy makers must work through their differences without harming small companies that drive our economy, creating job opportunities and support local communities.”
“With more than 100,000 licensed companies in Chicago, the city is a center for small business activity. It is possible that the closing of the Chicago office in SBA makes more difficult to the strong entrepreneurial community in Chicago to reach valuable resources. With this, we urge SBA to reconsider its plan to close offices in major cities or near them like Chicago.
“Life Artic for Small Companies”
Jacqueline “Jackie”, the owner of the Kelewins Jacqueline Jackson, received SBA loans and participated in events such as Zoom Sessions to support small companies. It runs seven sweets stores in the Chicago area.
In 2024, the SBA Lakes region called it Illinois character for the young person this year. She said that the agency presented her in a national campaign that prompted “important actions” to its stores.
Jacqueline Jackson, who owns and runs seven sweet stores in the Chicago area, said the local SBA office was a great help in its work and that its transfer would harm other entrepreneurs.
Anthony Vazuiz/Sun Times
Jackson said: “SBA was not only a lifestyle for small companies like Mine companies, but also a reliable partner in moving in entrepreneurship challenges,” Jackson said. During the epidemic, SBA provided hope when companies were struggling to stay. They served their employees as mentors, directing me through challenges and providing invaluable resources.
“I always encourage other entrepreneurs to seek SBA help.” “The closure of these offices is tragic – not only for me, but for countless small companies that depend on their guidelines, advocacy and resources.”
Her daughter, Janil, participated in a SBA training program called Thrive.
“Since graduation, it has risen with acquired knowledge and resources,” Jackson said. “She is now a stronger and more strategic businesswoman due to SBA's investment in her development.”
Jackson added, “The loss of these offices is more than just an administrative change – it is a major blow to small companies, emerging businessmen and societies that depend on them.”
