California took one step closer on Tuesday to providing mortgage assistance to illegal immigrants.
The California Senate approved a bill from Asm. Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno) to include certain illegal immigrants in the California Dream for All Program.
The big picture: Assembly Bill 1840 passed on a 23-11 vote in the Senate that was largely along party lines.
- However, two Democrats voted against it, while six Democrats did not vote.
- AB 1840 will now head back to the Assembly for a final vote – after some changes were made in the Senate – before heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom if approved.
Driving the news: AB 1840 opens the California Dream for All Program to illegal immigrants who have taxpayer ID numbers or Social Security numbers.
- The Dream for All program provides 20 percent in down payment assistance – up to $150,000 – to first-generation homebuyers who meet CalFFA income limits.
- It would be renamed the Home Purchase Assistance Program if signed into law.
- This year 18,000 people applied for assistance, but only 1,700 were given assistance.
What we’re watching: Even if the Assembly approves AB 1840 and Newsom signs it, the Home Purchase Assistance Program would not take effect this fiscal year.
- That’s because the state – with a number of budget cuts earlier this year – did not appropriate any money for the program for 2024-2025.
- The program would have to wait for state lawmakers to funnel money its way in future years.
What they’re saying: “The social and economic benefits of homeownership should be available to everyone,” Arambula said in a statement. “As such, the California Dream for All program should be available to all.”
- Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R–San Diego) said state funding needs to take care of legal residents first.
- “With many legal residents not able to afford a home, should we really be giving free cash to illegal immigrants? Every dollar that goes to an illegal immigrant is one less dollar available to legal residents including veterans, teachers, and families,” Jones said. “California already spends $5 billion per year on free healthcare for illegal immigrants – will it ever be enough for Democrats’ political agendas?”
