On Friday's episode of HBO's “Real Time,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she wasn't familiar with the details of a California bill that would allow illegal immigrants to get taxpayer assistance to buy homes, but she said she wants to “legalize” illegal immigrants, saying, “Making the American dream of homeownership accessible to everyone is something we have to do for the people who live here now.” But ultimately, the issue is up to the states.
Host Bill Maher asked, “The California State Legislature passed a law, although Governor Newsom (Democrat) has not signed it, that would give government assistance to illegal immigrants to buy homes. Isn't this a little different from the position Democrats have taken in the past on immigration? I'm not saying the country will do that, but California certainly is.”
“Well, let me just say that immigration has always been a bipartisan issue,” Pelosi responded.
“But it's not free housing,” Maher interjected.
“Well, it's not about free housing, it's about making the American Dream available to more people,” Pelosi responded. After talking about past comments about immigration by Republican lawmakers, Pelosi said, “California has always led the way. Other states may follow, but that's up to the states. But we have a beautiful diversity here.”
Maher then interjected: “So, will you vote for this legislation?”
Pelosi responded, “I'm not sure exactly what that is, but making the American dream of homeownership possible for all is something we have to do for the people here right now.”
“This is for illegal immigrants,” Maher interjected.
Pelosi responded, “Well, what I would like to do is document them.”
Pelosi continued speaking, but was drowned out by applause from the audience. As the applause died down, she said, “One of the best things we can do for our economy is to pass comprehensive immigration reform, so that all people can participate more in our economy, contribute, contribute to Social Security, contribute in all sorts of ways. So California's openness is something that we share. Whether that translates into specific policies is up to the local community.”
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