California lawmakers ripped after approving $150K down payment ‘handout’ to illegal immigrant home buyers: ‘This is crazy’
The Democrat-controlled California State Legislature has passed a polarizing bill that would make the Golden State the first in the nation to offer down payment assistance to illegal immigrant home buyers.
Democrats Pass Controversial Bill Granting Home Loans to Undocumented Immigrants
California's Democrat-controlled Legislature has approved a divisive bill (AB 1840) that would establish the Golden State as the first in the nation to offer down payment assistance to undocumented immigrants. The legislation faces fierce opposition from Republicans who argue it's an unfair handout and will worsen the state's housing crisis.
The bill provides access to the state's taxpayer-funded home loan program, offering up to $150,000 in down payment assistance for eligible first-time home buyers, including undocumented immigrants. It passed the Senate by a margin of 25-14 and the Assembly by a vote of 45-15.
Republicans vehemently oppose the measure, condemning it as a "betrayal" to state citizens and an incentive for illegal immigration . Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) argues it will further escalate the border and housing crises.
Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita), the granddaughter of legal immigrants, expressed strong disapproval, claiming it sends the wrong message to undocumented immigrants. She points out that many Californians, including legal residents, struggle with affordability and homelessness while the state provides assistance to those in the country illegally.
Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) questions the wisdom of assisting undocumented migrants while the state faces an affordability crisis. He emphasizes the unfairness of prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens and legal residents.
Supervisor Jim Desmond characterizes the bill as an "overreach" that shifts the financial burden onto taxpayers.
To qualify for the home loan program, undocumented immigrants must have a taxpayer ID number or a Social Security number. The legislation could potentially increase the number of applicants for home loans, which has been capped at 18,000 per year with 1,700 chosen through a lottery system.
Governor Gavin Newsom, a key surrogate for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, has not indicated whether he will sign the bill into law. The decision deadline is September 30. Harris has previously expressed support for providing up to $25,000 in federal down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
California's Democrat-controlled Legislature has approved a divisive bill (AB 1840) that would establish the Golden State as the first in the nation to offer down payment assistance to undocumented immigrants. The legislation faces fierce opposition from Republicans who argue it's an unfair handout and will worsen the state's housing crisis.
The bill provides access to the state's taxpayer-funded home loan program, offering up to $150,000 in down payment assistance for eligible first-time home buyers, including undocumented immigrants. It passed the Senate by a margin of 25-14 and the Assembly by a vote of 45-15.
Republicans vehemently oppose the measure, condemning it as a "betrayal" to state citizens and an incentive for illegal immigration . Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) argues it will further escalate the border and housing crises.
Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita), the granddaughter of legal immigrants, expressed strong disapproval, claiming it sends the wrong message to undocumented immigrants. She points out that many Californians, including legal residents, struggle with affordability and homelessness while the state provides assistance to those in the country illegally.
Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) questions the wisdom of assisting undocumented migrants while the state faces an affordability crisis. He emphasizes the unfairness of prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens and legal residents.
Supervisor Jim Desmond characterizes the bill as an "overreach" that shifts the financial burden onto taxpayers.
To qualify for the home loan program, undocumented immigrants must have a taxpayer ID number or a Social Security number. The legislation could potentially increase the number of applicants for home loans, which has been capped at 18,000 per year with 1,700 chosen through a lottery system.
Governor Gavin Newsom, a key surrogate for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, has not indicated whether he will sign the bill into law. The decision deadline is September 30. Harris has previously expressed support for providing up to $25,000 in federal down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.