California Democrats are expected to pass a bill in the state Senate this week that would help immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally secure loans to buy their first homes.
A bill introduced by Rep. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) would allow some illegal immigrants to live in the state. Dream for All Home Loan Program The scheme provides first-time homebuyers with assistance for up to 20% of down payments up to $150,000 through a lottery system.
The program is currently available to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers in California, but Arambula’s bill seeks to extend it to undocumented immigrants who owe taxes.
“The bill would provide that an applicant who meets all other requirements for a loan under the program, including, but not limited to, any requirements imposed on the agency in administering the program by a designated entity, and who is eligible under applicable Federal and State law, will not be disqualified based solely on the applicant’s immigration status,” the bill states.
Under the bill’s provisions, illegal immigrants must have a taxpayer identification number or Social Security number to qualify.
“We wanted to make the policy as inclusive as possible so that everyone who pays taxes in the state would be eligible,” Arambula said earlier this year. According to the California Globe.
The Globe reported that the legislation could significantly increase the number of people applying for loans, up to 18,000 this year, with only 1,700 selected through a random lottery system.
The bill has faced fierce criticism from Republican state lawmakers since it was introduced this year and is now facing backlash at the national level as immigration becomes an issue in the 2024 presidential election.
“I don’t support using our limited funds to fund people who are in this country illegally,” Rep. Joe Paterson (R-Rocklin) said at a committee hearing in May.
“California’s budget deficit continues to grow and Democrats in office are so out of touch with ordinary Californians that they are literally taking money away from law-abiding citizens – their own constituents – and giving it as a free gift to people who break federal law and cross the border illegally,” said Sen. Brian Jones (R-San Diego).
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a top rep for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, has not said whether he would sign the bill into law if it passes.
The Democrat, who was once considered a possible running mate for Harris, could face national backlash against both her and Harris as he seeks political action outside of California.
A spokesman for former President Donald Trump’s campaign called the bill “fundamentally unfair but typically Democratic policy.” A statement to Politico.
