A bill allowing undocumented immigrants in California to access the state’s homebuying assistance program is now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. This development comes amid significant opposition from local Republican lawmakers.
Assembly Bill 1840, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula of District 31, proposes that the state cannot exclude undocumented residents from receiving home mortgage assistance based on their legal status.
The program in question provides no-interest loans of up to $150,000 for down payments and fees to eligible first-time homebuyers. Current eligibility includes low- or middle-income individuals and first-time mortgage borrowers who are U.S. citizens or noncitizens authorized to live in the country.
“AB 1840 does not establish a new home ownership assistance program for a specific group, nor does it provide free money. It merely clarifies that anyone who meets the existing financial criteria of the California Dream for All loan program can apply,” Arambula stated in a press release shared with Newsweek.
Arambula told The LA Times that the previous eligibility requirements were unclear, potentially deterring undocumented individuals from applying.
“My bill clarifies that undocumented immigrants can apply if they meet all the criteria, including securing a bank loan or mortgage. Successful applicants must repay the loan, interest-free, when they sell the home, and pay 20 percent of the home’s appreciation,” Arambula explained.
The California Assembly approved the bill with a 45-15 vote on Wednesday, following a 25-14 vote in the Senate the day before. Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers.
Opponents argue that the bill sends a negative message. “If signed into law, AB 1840 signals that California welcomes anyone, legal or illegal, to claim a $150,000 home loan,” Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, a Republican, said in a statement. “California Democrats are increasingly offering benefits to illegal immigrants, which could reduce funding available for veterans and their families.”
In response to the criticism, Arambula emphasized that the bill is not about immigration policy or the housing crisis but about fairness.