SACRAMENTO, Calif — A bill that could help undocumented immigrants purchase their first home in California is heading to the governor for a final decision.
The bill from Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) is meant to clarify that undocumented immigrants have the ability to apply to the California Dream for All loan Program, if they meet the qualifications. Part of that qualification includes securing a bank loan or mortgage and repaying the loan, without interest, when the home is sold.
“AB 1840 does not create a new home ownership assistance program for a specific group of people, nor does it give away free money. Already, anyone can apply who meets the existing California Dream for All loan program’s financial criteria as a first-time homebuyer," Arambula said in statement.
However, California Senate Republicans are calling on the governor to veto the bill, saying it would give taxpayer dollars to undocumented immigrants to buy a home.
“Many generational Californians can’t afford to buy a house in their home state thanks to Democrats’ unsustainable economic policies,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego). “Every dollar given to an illegal immigrant is a dollar taken away from legal residents, including veterans and their families. This policy is not only unfair but also sends a dangerous message: ‘Come to California, whether legally or illegally, and claim your $150,000 home loan.’ Americans should be deeply concerned about a Harris-Waltz Administration adopting this policy on a national scale.”
Arambula emphasized the bill was about fairness.
“AB 1840 is about providing an opportunity to hard-working, responsible people who dream of owning a home and passing that legacy to their children – a dream that we all have for all our families in California," Arambula said. "And, that includes undocumented immigrants who have lived here for decades and pay their taxes. They have Social Security numbers or ITINs, which are Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers. They are people who pay millions of dollars into our systems and should be able to receive the same benefits as everyone else."
The bill heads to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk next for a final decision.
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