The dream of owning a home feels out of reach for many who were born and raised here. It hurts even more when people feel like the help they need is being handed to someone else.

WHAT HAPPENED

For years, the government allowed people on temporary H-1B work visas to use FHA loans. These loans are backed by taxes and designed to help low-income families and first-time buyers.

By 2024, these loans to visa holders made up nearly 6% of all new mortgages. Some workers were able to use local grants to cover their entire down payment. This meant they could buy a house with 100% financing while many citizens sat on the sidelines.

In May 2025, the housing agency finally changed its mind. They put out new rules that say these special loans are now only for U.S. citizens and green card holders.

FACT BOX

— What the money shows

• 6% of all new mortgages went to these visa holders by 2024.
• 100% financing was possible when stacking different programs.
• 3.5% is the normal minimum down payment for an FHA loan.
• May 2025 is when the rules were changed to stop this practice.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why was a program meant for low-income citizens opened up to high-skill temporary workers in the first place? It makes us wonder if the government is more focused on filling houses or helping the people who live in them. We should ask how many citizens lost out on a home because they were outbid by someone using a government-backed deal.

THE OTHER SIDE

Those who supported the old rule say it was not just a Biden plan, but a policy that existed for a long time. They argue that H-1B workers pay taxes and help the economy grow, so they should be able to buy a home where they work. This argument seems weak now that the government has officially blocked them to save resources for citizens.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

If you have a temporary visa, you can no longer get an FHA loan. You will have to use a normal bank loan which usually requires a much higher down payment. This change should leave more room and more money for regular Americans trying to buy their first house.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

How many citizens were denied loans while the old policy was in place?

• Will house prices drop in tech hubs now that these buyers are gone?
• Why did the administration wait until 2025 to change the rule?

SOURCE NOTE

1. Information came from HUD policy letters, mortgage market data, and public government records. All charges are allegations — Joe Biden is presumed innocent until proven guilty.