Key Takeaways
- TPS provides legal status and work authorization but not citizenship—TPS business owners fail the March 2026 SBA test
- TPS holders from El Salvador (200K+ affected), Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Somalia, and others are blocked
- Many TPS holders have operated US businesses for 20+ years—decades of business history that Bankable values
- Bankable evaluates TPS business revenue without immigration status inquiry
- 48-hour funding decisions for TPS-owned businesses with $150K+ annual revenue
Temporary Protected Status—TPS—allows nationals of certain designated countries to live and work in the United States due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary conditions in their home countries. The TPS population in the United States includes people from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and others.
A significant number of TPS holders have been in the United States for 15-25 years—since TPS was first granted for their home countries after disasters or conflicts that occurred decades ago. During those years, many built businesses. El Salvadoran TPS holders run construction companies, landscaping businesses, and restaurants. Haitian TPS holders operate cleaning services, transportation companies, and retail businesses. These are established enterprises that contribute meaningfully to local economies.
SBA vs. Alternatives: 2026
| Option | Citizenship | Max Amount | Decision | Access for Non-Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | 100% citizen required | $5M | 30-90 days | Blocked as of March 2026 |
| CDFIs | No | $250K | 2-4 weeks | Open, capacity-limited |
| Bankable | No requirement | $5M | 48 hours | Fully open, 92% approval |
The March 2026 Rule's Impact on TPS Business Owners
The SBA's citizenship requirement now bars TPS holders regardless of how long they have been in the United States, how established their businesses are, or how many employees they have. A Honduran TPS holder who has operated a $2M landscaping company for 18 years is treated identically to someone who arrived yesterday—categorically ineligible for SBA financing.
Bankable for TPS Business Owners
TPS-held businesses with strong operating histories are excellent Bankable candidates. If your business has been operating for 12+ months and generating $150K+ annually, you qualify to apply. We do not ask about immigration status, TPS designation, or country of origin. Apply in 5 minutes now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable provides revenue-based funding for TPS holders with $150K+ annual revenue. No TPS status inquiry. 48-hour decisions.
El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Somalia, Venezuela, and Ukraine have the largest TPS business owner populations. All are equally blocked from SBA loans.
El Salvador TPS was first designated in 2001—meaning Salvadoran TPS holders have had up to 25 years to build businesses in the US. The community has the highest density of long-term TPS business owners.
Yes. Pending immigration cases do not affect Bankable's underwriting. We evaluate business revenue.
Based on revenue. A landscaping business with $500K annual revenue can typically access $80K-$150K in tranche funding. Businesses with $1M+ revenue can access $200K-$400K.
EIN or ITIN, 3 months of business bank statements. No TPS documentation required.
Yes. We understand that many TPS holders have been in the US for decades and have well-established businesses. Long operating history is a positive factor in our underwriting.
Yes. Venezuelan TPS holders who have been operating businesses for 12+ months with $150K+ revenue are eligible.
Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Virginia have programs serving TPS business owners. LiftFund in Texas and various CDFI networks serve TPS entrepreneurs.
Yes—and they will qualify for SBA loans if the rule is reversed, assuming they meet other SBA criteria. Until then, Bankable is the best alternative.