Gavin Newsom Faces Decision on Whether California Should Assist Undocumented Immigrants in Purchasing Homes
The measure ignited a discussion about immigration as the presidential election approaches.
TroibNews 
SACRAMENTO, California — A groundbreaking bill was approved by California legislators on Wednesday, allowing certain undocumented immigrants access to state-sponsored low-interest loans up to $150,000 aimed at assisting first-time homebuyers.
The bill was championed by the Democratic majority in the California legislature, passing with votes of 25-14 in the Senate and 45-15 in the Assembly, despite opposition from some moderate Democrats and Republicans.
The legislation is now awaiting action from Governor Gavin Newsom, amidst escalating immigration debates influenced by the presidential campaign. The Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, has been revising her immigration policies in response to attacks from Donald Trump. Newsom, who has been given a month to decide on the bill, has not made any public statements, although the bill has been the subject of discussions on Fox News and criticism from figures such as Elon Musk.
"This is not a bill about immigration," said Joaquin Arambula, a Democrat from Fresno and the bill’s sponsor, during a session on the Assembly floor. "This is not a bill about the housing crisis. We all know that no single bill can solve those areas. This is a bill about fairness. Those that are paying into a system should be able to receive benefits from those same systems as everyone else does."
Eligibility for this loan program would be granted only to undocumented immigrants who possess social security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers.
The bill would integrate undocumented immigrants into the pool of potential beneficiaries of the California Housing Finance Agency’s existing programs, specifically a shared appreciation loan initiative known as California Dream for All. This program offers first-time homebuyers who fall under designated income thresholds assistance with a 20 percent down payment up to $150,000. The interest charged to the homebuyer only applies to 15 or 20 percent of any increase in the home’s value at the time of sale, which varies by income.
This legislative move drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, including stern opposition and calls for a presidential veto. In particular, former Republican Congressmember George Radanovich described the bill as “beyond irresponsible.”
"We have Californians who are not undocumented immigrants, who need these services," remarked State Sen. Brian Dahle during a floor speech, emphasizing the budgetary impacts and other citizens' needs for similar assistance.
Assemblymember Bill Essayli also expressed concerns in a Wednesday interview, noting, “Issues like this, when the Democratic Party overreaches, I think that's when people wake up and they go, ‘Wait a minute, what’s going on? What's happening?’”
The discussion of the bill on the Senate floor included multiple references to Fox News. State Sen. Dave Min commented on the political manipulation of the issue of undocumented immigrants, while State Sen. Scott Wiener criticized the intersection of anti-immigration rhetoric and housing policy.
Wiener affirmed, “These are people who are working and paying taxes, and yes, they should be able to buy a home. They should be part of this program.”
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
The bill was championed by the Democratic majority in the California legislature, passing with votes of 25-14 in the Senate and 45-15 in the Assembly, despite opposition from some moderate Democrats and Republicans.
The legislation is now awaiting action from Governor Gavin Newsom, amidst escalating immigration debates influenced by the presidential campaign. The Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, has been revising her immigration policies in response to attacks from Donald Trump. Newsom, who has been given a month to decide on the bill, has not made any public statements, although the bill has been the subject of discussions on Fox News and criticism from figures such as Elon Musk.
"This is not a bill about immigration," said Joaquin Arambula, a Democrat from Fresno and the bill’s sponsor, during a session on the Assembly floor. "This is not a bill about the housing crisis. We all know that no single bill can solve those areas. This is a bill about fairness. Those that are paying into a system should be able to receive benefits from those same systems as everyone else does."
Eligibility for this loan program would be granted only to undocumented immigrants who possess social security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers.
The bill would integrate undocumented immigrants into the pool of potential beneficiaries of the California Housing Finance Agency’s existing programs, specifically a shared appreciation loan initiative known as California Dream for All. This program offers first-time homebuyers who fall under designated income thresholds assistance with a 20 percent down payment up to $150,000. The interest charged to the homebuyer only applies to 15 or 20 percent of any increase in the home’s value at the time of sale, which varies by income.
This legislative move drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, including stern opposition and calls for a presidential veto. In particular, former Republican Congressmember George Radanovich described the bill as “beyond irresponsible.”
"We have Californians who are not undocumented immigrants, who need these services," remarked State Sen. Brian Dahle during a floor speech, emphasizing the budgetary impacts and other citizens' needs for similar assistance.
Assemblymember Bill Essayli also expressed concerns in a Wednesday interview, noting, “Issues like this, when the Democratic Party overreaches, I think that's when people wake up and they go, ‘Wait a minute, what’s going on? What's happening?’”
The discussion of the bill on the Senate floor included multiple references to Fox News. State Sen. Dave Min commented on the political manipulation of the issue of undocumented immigrants, while State Sen. Scott Wiener criticized the intersection of anti-immigration rhetoric and housing policy.
Wiener affirmed, “These are people who are working and paying taxes, and yes, they should be able to buy a home. They should be part of this program.”
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
