Republicans campaigned strongly against it, which ultimately ended with a veto.
After strong opposition from Republicans, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for undocumented immigrants who have paid taxes and lived in California for decades to apply for loans through the Dream for All program.
“I am deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom vetoed AB 1840, which had been approved by both the Assembly and the Senate,” said Democratic Assemblymember Joaquín Arámbula from Fresno, the author of the bill.
He clarified that his bill was not aimed at addressing immigration policies or the housing crisis.
“It simply sought to clarify the language in the existing California Dream for All program to state that undocumented immigrants can apply for loans. In fact, anyone can apply for a first-time home loan if they meet the requirements, which include securing a bank loan or mortgage,” he said.
He emphasized that AB 1840 was about justice.
“The event does not change the fact that many people, including undocumented immigrants, dream of owning their own homes and passing that generational wealth to their children.”
He added that undocumented immigrants are responsible, hard-working people who pay their fair share of taxes.
“They will continue to strive to achieve their dreams, and their contributions have strengthened our state’s economy, helping it become the fifth-largest economy in the world.”
He concluded: “Immigrants should have the same opportunities as anyone else to improve their quality of life and that of their families.”
In his brief veto message, Governor Newsom stated that the measure aimed to prohibit the disqualification of applicants from one of California’s Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) home assistance programs based solely on their immigration status.
“Given the limited funding available for CalHFA programs, expanding program eligibility must be considered carefully within the broader context of the state budget to ensure that we manage our resources effectively.”
In short, the governor argued that there are not enough funds to sign the measure.
Republicans celebrated the governor’s veto, claiming it would have provided loans of $150,000 with zero down payment.
“I am pleased that the governor vetoed this problematic measure, but he is still avoiding stating his position on providing loans to undocumented immigrants,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher.
“It is true that the program has run out of money, and that is because California citizens used it all due to Newsom not addressing the housing crisis.”
Moreover, Assemblymember Gallagher from Yuba City said that by refusing to condemn the bill’s content, Newsom is inviting Democrats to try again next year, when he has mismanaged the budget.
Los Angeles Democratic Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo said on her X account that it is important to note that the law applies to individuals with an ITIN number who contribute to the California General Fund.
“These are Californians who pay taxes into the program. Let’s not deceive ourselves and feed an anti-immigrant narrative that is divisive and harmful.”
Supporting the measure were the Coalition for Human Rights of Immigrants (CHIRLA), which sponsored the measure, as well as ACLU California Action, California Immigration Policy Center, Pico California, Western Center on Law & Poverty, Inc., Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative, Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS), California Housing Partnership Corporation, Oasis Legal Services, and World Relief Sacramento, among others.
On their X page, CHIRLA announced the veto of AB 1840 and stated that the measure “would have allowed undocumented individuals to access the Dream for All loan program and realize the dream of homeownership. Housing equity cannot exclude the undocumented community.”
Source – laopinion
