On August 27, the California Senate voted to approve legislation that could extend eligibility for a state homebuyer loan program to illegal immigrants, potentially providing assistance with down payments.
Assembly Bill 1840, introduced by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), passed the Senate in a 25–14 vote.
It will return to the Assembly for a final vote before it can be sent to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.
The bill aims to broaden the eligibility criteria for the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation loan program, which was introduced in 2023 to offer down payment loans to eligible first-time homebuyers, including those with low incomes.
Currently, under the highly competitive program, only California citizens are eligible for the down payment assistance, with applicants being selected via a randomized draw by the California Housing Finance Agency.
Under Assembly Bill 1840, that program would be renamed the Home Purchase Assistance Program.
The bill also clarifies that applicants who meet the program’s qualifications cannot be excluded solely due to their immigration status. This change would enable undocumented immigrants to receive up to 20 percent in down payment assistance, with a maximum of $150,000.
People can apply for the program if they have a taxpayer identification number or Social Security number.
According to a statement from Governor Newsom’s office in June, 1,700 Californians received grants from the program this year out of 18,000 applicants.
Newsom has not commented on whether or not he will sign Assembly Bill 1840 into law.
California was home to more than 11 million immigrants in 2023, making up 28 percent of the state population, which is the largest percentage of immigrant residents of any state, according to nonprofit organization the California Budget and Policy Center.
Share your thoughts by scrolling down to leave a comment.
