California Democrats have sparked outrage over the passage of a progressive bill that would allow illegal immigrants to apply for homeownership assistance, potentially providing them with up to $150,000 in support, Fox News reports.
The legislation, known as AB 1840, was approved by the state Senate on Tuesday and mandates that the California Housing Finance Authority’s home purchase assistance program, also referred to as the California Dream for All Program, include applications from undocumented persons.
Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) denounced the bill, claiming it would worsen the ongoing border crisis, exacerbate the housing crisis, and further inflate the already high cost of living in California.
“I didn’t know it was possible to make the border crisis and the housing crisis worse with just one vote, but Democrats found a way,” Gallagher said.
He added that providing taxpayer-funded housing subsidies to illegal immigrants would likely drive costs higher and create more chaos at the border.
Despite criticism, the California Dream for All program has faced challenges, with funds reportedly running out just 11 days after its launch in June. At that time, the program had awarded assistance to approximately 1,700 first-time homebuyers, raising concerns during floor debates about the need for additional funding.
Under the California Dream for All program, first-time homebuyers can receive up to 20% of a home’s value or as much as $150,000 for down payment assistance. The bill now returns to the California State Assembly for review of revisions made by the state Senate. It passed with a party-line vote of 23-11, although some Democrats were absent from the vote.
As the bill awaits further action, California Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to announce whether he will sign it into law if it clears the legislature before the August 31 deadline.
