Gov Gavin Newsom to veto controversial housing loan bill
California advances bill that would help illegal immigrants purchase a home
FOX Business host Charles Payne reacts to the California bill that would provide homebuyer loans to illegal immigrants in California as cost of living continues to affect American citizens.
FIRST ON FOX: Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a controversial bill that would have given hundreds of thousands of dollars in housing loans to illegal immigrants.
Last month, the California legislature advanced AB 1840 – known as the "California Dream for All" loan program – which would have given illegal immigrants up to $150,000 in first-time homeownership loans — a bill that if signed into law, would have given first-time homebuyers up to 20% of a home's value or up to $150,000 as down payment assistance.
"This bill seeks to prohibit the disqualification of applicants from one of California Housing Finance Agency's (CalHFA) home purchase assistance programs based solely on their immigration status. Given the finite funding available for CalHFA programs, expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively," Newsom said in the veto letter.
"For this reason, I am unable to sign this bill."
CALIFORNIA CLOSE TO APPROVING $150K LOANS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO HELP PURCHASE HOMES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom greets people, Monday, July 8, 2024 near the Common Man Roadside Market and Deli, in Hooksett, New Hampshire. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
However, Democratic lawmakers in the state have defended the legislation, arguing that it is simply designed to give illegal immigrants the same benefits afforded to everyone else in the state.
"It isn’t given out willy nilly to just anybody," Democratic Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes said during a June hearing on the bill.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
Fox News Digital's Michael Lee contributed to this report.
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
