Undocumented immigrants in California could soon be eligible to receive state assistance in purchasing an affordable home under a bill passed by the state's Legislature this week.
The measure, formally known as AB 1840, was introduced by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, D-CA, in January. The bill would expand the eligibility for the California Dream For All Shared Appreciation program, a state initiative offering first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance of up to $150,000. Specifically, the proposal would specify that first-time buyers who meet all other requirements for a state-backed housing loan should not be disqualified even if they are undocumented immigrants.
One of the requirements is meeting the California Housing Agency (CalHFA) income limit criteria for the county they are purchasing in. In Alameda County, for instance, the income limit is $246,000. In Fresco, this goes down to $139,000.
What Lawmakers Say About the Bill
Arambula said the measure focuses on fairness and addressing the worsening housing crisis in the state, which has the largest share of undocumented immigrants in the US, according to the Pew Research Center.
"AB 1840 is about providing an opportunity to hard-working, responsible people who dream of owning a home and passing that legacy to their children - a dream that we all have for all our families in California. And, that includes undocumented immigrants who have lived here for decades and pay their taxes," Arambula said.
However, Republican lawmakers argue that California should instead focus on prioritizing housing assistance for residents who are living in the state legally.
"This is outrageous. Democrat politicians care more about handouts for illegal immigrants rather than improving the quality of life for legal California citizens. I will strongly oppose this measure when it comes to the Assembly Floor this week," Assemblyman Bill Essayli said.
The bill cleared the Senate earlier this week by a 25-14 margin and was approved by the Assembly in a 45-15 vote. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-CA, who has until the end of September to sign or veto the measure.
If Newsom passes the bill into law, undocumented immigrants will be allowed to apply to the California Dream lottery. Participants who are selected may secure a bank loan if they meet the criteria and will be required to repay the loan without interest when they sell the property.
