(VitalNews.org) – A new California law could allow undocumented immigrants to be eligible for state assistance in buying a home due to a new bill that was sent to Governor Gavin Newsom.
This proposal sparked debate across the legislature; it specified that people who meet all other requirements for a loan under the state program shouldn’t be disqualified because of their immigration status.
Joaquin Arambula, assembly member representing Fresno and author of the bill, said that this wasn’t about immigration but instead addressing the housing crisis. California, like many other states, has been dealing with a housing crisis and homelessness in their cities across the state. This has prompted quick action from legislation.
Said Arambula, “AB 1840 is about providing an opportunity to hard-working, responsible people who dream of owning a home and passing that legacy to their children – a dream that we all have for all our families in California.” He added, “And, that includes undocumented immigrants who have lived here for decades and pay their taxes.”
Republican lawmakers in California have said that they should prioritize California residents that are in the country legally. State Sen. Brian Dahle (R) said, “We have Californians who are not undocumented immigrants, who need these services. We should take care of them first, before we expand it out.”
Newsom hasn’t officially signed the bill yet, and he has until the end of September to make a decision, so this isn’t an official law for California yet.
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