Gov. Newsom Mum Over Loan Down Payments For Illegal Immigrants
AB 1840 has been one of the most divisive bills this session
By Evan Symon, August 26, 2024 1:53 pm
A bill that is expected to pass the Senate this week that would help pay for home down payments for illegal immigrants in California had it’s final status be questioned more in the past few weeks, as scrutiny over the bills grows and Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to commit to signing the bill into law.
Assembly Bill 1840, authored by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), would expand eligibility of the California Dream for All program, to be renamed under the bill to the Home Purchase Assistance Program, and remove any disqualifications based on an applicants immigration status. If approved, illegal immigrants can enter the lottery system under the program that gives 20% in down payment assistance up to $150,000. This year, out of 18,000 people who applied to the California Dream for All program, only 1,700 were chosen. The bill would greatly expand the number of applicants, due to the California Dream program targeting low to middle income first time buyers.
In addition, not all illegal immigrants would qualify for the program. Under AB 1840, only those with taxpayer ID numbers or Social Security numbers could apply.
According to the language of the bill “This bill would specify that an applicant who meets all other requirements for a loan under the program and who is otherwise eligible under applicable federal and state law, shall not be disqualified solely based on the applicant’s immigration status.”
Since AB 1840 was introduced this year, Arambula has been continuously defending it amidst a constant wave of criticism.
“AB 1840 is about providing an opportunity for homeownership, which we know allows families to secure financial security and stability,” said Arambula earlier this year. “The ability to do this strengthens local economies, and that benefits all people who call California home. The social and economic benefits of homeownership should be available to everyone. As such, the California Dream for All Program should be available to all. When undocumented individuals are excluded from such programs, they miss out on a crucial method of securing financial security and personal stability for themselves and their families.
“We simply wanted to be as inclusive as possible within our policies so that all who are paying taxes here in our state were able to qualify. Without the intentional law that we are introducing, we felt that there were complexities and questions that many in the immigrant community would have.”
Republican lawmakers, as well as a small minority of Democratic lawmakers, have fought against the bill all year. This can be seen in the divisive 56-15 with 9 abstention Assembly vote in May and the bill briefly being placed in the suspense file earlier this month. While many are concerned about the increased costs that the bill will bring to the state, many others pointed out that the money would still be going to people who entered the country illegally and broke the law, even if they have a taxpayer ID number. The Globe itself also had an article come out in March questioning the bill and asking who would be on the hook for the home loans as purchasers are not legal residents of the state or country.
A divisive AB 1840
Senator Brian Jones (R-San Diego) said of the bill that “California’s budget deficit continues to grow and Democratic lawmakers are so out of touch with everyday Californians that they are quite literally taking money away from law-abiding citizens, their own constituents, and handing it over as a free gift to people who broke federal law to cross the border illegally.”
Assemblyman Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin), added in May that “I just can’t get behind using our limited dollars for people who are in this country undocumented.”
While it is expected to pass the Senate later this week, likely by another tight vote, the big question mark over the bill passing is Governor Newsom. He is currently in a tough spot on immigration through his support of Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election, as she supports a Biden proposal that would give $2,500 for down payments for first-time, first-generation home owners, with illegal immigrants being specifically excluded because of federal law. Newsom signing AB 1840 would suddenly put him at odds over both her and Donald Trump, with the latter’s campaign calling the bill “fundamentally unfair but typical Democrat policy.”
Also worrisome for Newsom is the political backlash. As he is entering a more moderate period and is staying away from more controversial bills to help elevate himself for a post-Governor political career, signing AB 1840 would create a divisive firestorm that would also likely bring on lawsuits over questions of the bill violating federal law.
Newsom rarely indicates if he will be signing or vetoing a bill, and for AB 1840, he has gone with his usual radio silence.
“He doesn’t typically comment on pending legislation,” said Newsom’s office on Monday. “If the bill reaches his desk, the Governor will evaluate it on its merits.”
But, with the bill now making national headlines and being at odds over Biden/Harris administration goals, scrutiny has grown in the past few weeks from all sides. And Newsom now will likely face a difficult decision on whether or not to sign it into law.
“First we need to assume this passes,” explained “Dana,” a Capitol staffer, to the Globe on Monday. “Every indication right now is that it will, but we have seen the eleventh hour removal before. Any way, assuming it passes, this is a big decision. This is a bill where there is no real middle ground, and is the type of bill he has been dreading at looking at. Especially where he is politically now. Should he sign it, it means possible lawsuits, adding another controversy to his political career, and potentially hurting Harris. If the question of immigration comes up in a debate, Trump can use how Newsom is going against Biden and other Democrats on the home loan issue and show them as not being united on it.
“And if he does sign it, he’ll lose a lot of favor with progressive Democrats, as well as hurt him with Latino voters a bit. The smart play would be a veto, but on the basis that he is following federal law and mirroring Biden/Harris policy proposals. You know ‘Hey, you’re against me for not signing it? That also means you’re against Kamala!’.
“The thing is, so many people are struggling to buy a house right now, as costs keep going up. We know from constituents that they feel that the state needs to address this problem more. Bills like this, they feel are ignoring the bigger issue.”
A Senate vote on AB 1840 is expected this week.
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Seriously? These people are kidding, right?
OBVIOUSLY this is a NO. For crying out loud.
Senate.ca.gov/senators
Assembly.ca.gov/assemblymembers
AB 1840
They are not kidding. Get to work, you have illegals to support.
not kidding its true, california is the model for all america communism was welcome by biden kamala! just now people started to find out! trump is being saying this for years! Vote for TRUMP
I am a long time, Democrat. I am absolutely flabbergasted how this could have come to consideration without being brought to the people first. This is absolutely Ludacris, and is most likely to make me a Republican for all further votes. Check my voting status. It could be changing. Absolutely ridiculous.
This bill should PROPERLY be named the “California Dream for Democrat Quid Pro Quo Votes for Homes” Act…
What a brazen bid for votes from illegal aliens, whom the current Federal administration has encouraged for its full term, in an effort to swing the upcoming election in their favor…
To quote Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), “When undocumented individuals are excluded from such programs [ala AB 1840], they miss out on a crucial method of securing financial security and personal stability for themselves and their families.” At the risk of sounding uncaring with regards to the plight of those entering the United States illegally, I don’t give two hoots in hell about their financial security. My concern goes to just where the money that Sacramento is giving away comes from. California is beyond bankrupt, and our mono-party lawmakers and Governor continue to tax and spend its citizens into chaos. Gavin Newsom really needs to think twice and then veto AB-1840.
This is what happens when you vote for non-gringos for public office. They take care of their own.
They are looney enough to do it…
California is suffering due to our Demo-Crap Party. They are crapping on us Californians. I cannot vote for this foolishness. I’m so tired of working hard, and being over taxed, and seei my tax dollars wasted on housing programs that reward either poverty mentality people. programs that support people rent $75.00, and they still won’t pay it. Now a bill that supports illegal immigrants. Why should they follow the law when they get all the perks and access to everything Americans have. Obama gave first, and now our Governor will most likely approve more resources. This state have not steward our tax dollars in our best interest. Politicians have ruined this beautiful state. We have over priced homes, high bridge tolls, high gas tax, high car insurance/no home insurance, free health care for illegals, home down payment assistance for illegals, homeless out of control, and no punishment for petty crime. Oh, and PG&E get to rip us off in Northern California because Gavin is on their team. Parents have no rights to what their children are expose to in school because the staff know what’s best, but yet California public schools are ranked in the lowest percentile.
California , thanks to Gavin Newson and other Democrats have ruined our beautiful State! Now, this AB 1840 Bill is ludicrous! I’ve lived in California all my 70 years! How sad I’ll have to retire somewhere else. Let’s close the boarders! If an Immigrant doesn’t have a job or money they should not be allowed to live in California. Let’s be more like Canada – no free loaders allowed! I’m tired of paying for people who don’t work!
California , thanks to Gavin Newson and other Democrats have ruined our beautiful State! Now, this AB 1840 Bill is ludicrous! I’ve lived in California all my 70 years! How sad I’ll have to retire somewhere else. Let’s close the boarders! If an Immigrant doesn’t have a job or money they should not be allowed to live in California. Let’s be more like Canada – no free loaders allowed! I’m tired of paying for people who don’t work!
Get all democrats out of office before they absolutely destroy this state and make it impossible for the hard working taxpayers to survive here. I used to be a Democrat…never again after all this insane legislation and pro criminal laws such as prop 47, 57, and AB 109z. Our own youth in their 30s can’t afford a 2 bedroom condo anymore. This is disgusting. We all worked hard for what we have. If they have so much of our tax dollars they can hand $150k out to those who come illegally, give us our tax dollars back so we can afford to take care of our own families properly!
This is of course, not true. The bill’s author, Fresno Democrat Joaquin Arambula, countered that the bill specifies applicants must meet requirements set by the Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae, including having a taxpayer identification number or social security number to apply for a loan, which means they’re taxpayers. They also have to be residents of the state of California AND pass a credit check.