California lawmakers recently voted to pass a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to apply for the state’s “California Dream for All” first-time homebuyers’ financial assistance program. The AB 1840 bill requires the California Housing Finance Authority’s home purchase assistance program to include undocumented applicants.
Despite funds running out just 11 days after the program was instituted in June, which initially awarded 1,700 first-time homebuyers, the bill was passed. Finding more funding for the program was a major concern during floor debates.
The program provides first-time homebuyers with up to 20% of a home’s value or up to $150,000 as down payment assistance. The bill will now go back to the California state Assembly to review revisions made by the state Senate before potentially being signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The bill passed with a 23-11 vote, following party lines, with some Democrats choosing not to vote. Supporters of the bill argued that undocumented immigrants applying for the program must pay taxes and show proof of work, while Republicans criticized the bill for potentially excluding other groups, such as veterans, from the California Dream for All Program.
No funds were allocated for the program this year due to an expected budget shortfall for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Both the governor and state legislatures will need to approve funds in the future to continue the program. The 2024 legislative session closes after 11:59 PM on Saturday.
The California Department of Finance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.
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