The bill, by Democratic Assembly member Joaquin Arambula of Fresno, would have prohibited the disqualification of loan applicants to a state first-time homebuyer program for reasons based solely on im
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Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill on Friday that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain home loans for the first time in California.
“Given the finite funding available for [the CalHFA] programs, expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively,” Newsom said in the veto message posted on the governor’s website.
Victor Narro, an immigrant rights and labor activist, argued Newsom’s veto reasoning was flawed.
“AB 1840 would enable undocumented immigrants to qualify for an already existing first-time home buyers program that they already pay into through their tax contributions,” he posted on X.
The Democratic governor’s veto comes a day after former President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal he would ban undocumented immigrants from receiving home mortgages if he returns to the White House.
In a speech, Trump said later that “the flood” of undocumented immigrants is driving up housing costs. “That’s why my plan will ban mortgages for illegal aliens,” he said.
On X, Sen. Brian Dahle, who represents the Redding area in Northern California district and ran against Newsom in the 2022 gubernatorial race
“The Democrat party is losing voters, and Newsom has set his sights on the national level,” Dahle posted. “It would be career suicide for him to sign AB 1840.”
What would have Assembly Bill 1840 done?
Assembly Bill 1840 would have made California the first state to provide home loans to undocumented immigrants.
The Democrat-controlled Legislature voted in favor of the proposal in August. It would have amended the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation program, which provides no-interest loans of up to $150,000 to cover down payments and fees.
AB 1840 said an applicant who meets the program’s requirements, including having Social Security and Taxpayer Identification numbers, won’t be denied a loan because of immigration status.
The state Senate approved the bill 23-11 along party lines in August with some Democrats abstaining. The Senate, which changed the Assembly’s original bill, sent the measure back to the lower chamber. The Assembly voted 45-15 in August in favor of the Senate’s version.
What is the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation program?
Operated by the California Housing Finance Agency, the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation program started in 2023 and is designed for low—and middle-class buyers. It helps first-time homebuyers with down payments and fees.
Pressure to veto the AB 1840 bill
After the Legislature’s approval, opponents immediately pressured Newsom to veto AB 1840. Senate Republicans requested a veto in an August letter to the governor, according to the California Globe.
Republican lawmakers said the loan program shouldn’t be extended to undocumented immigrants when it doesn’t have enough money to meet the demand from citizens. The California Housing Finance Agency has confirmed it has used all of the allocated funding.
“With many legal residents not able to afford a home, should we be giving free cash to illegal immigrants?” Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, said during a Fox Business network interview.
Republicans also warned the bill would have encouraged more undocumented immigrants to move into California.
AB 1840 bill’s author calls for equality
The bill’s author, Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, said the benefits of homeownership “should be available to everyone regardless of immigration status.” NBC Los Angeles quoted Arambula as saying expanding access to loans will contribute to California’s success and vitality.
“Undocumented individuals have historically been removed from housing initiatives because of federal restrictions,” Arambulo said.
State Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced, said the bill will have helped undocumented immigrants, many of whom were essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, to buy their first home.
KCRA quoted her saying the loan program would have needed more money to meet the demand if the governor had signed the bill.
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Publish date : 2024-09-07 08:37:00
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