As California struggles with housing affordability, a bill offering zero-down payment loans to illegal immigrants is advancing in the legislature. AB 1840, introduced by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D), would expand the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program to include illegal aliens, granting them loans up to 20% of a home’s purchase price without monthly payments. Critics argue that while American citizens are facing record-high housing costs, illegal immigrants are being prioritized.
The bill’s critics argue that taxpayer money should be allocated to assist struggling citizens instead of aiding non-citizens. With a $60 billion budget deficit, many view this program as another instance of California’s misplaced priorities. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond labeled the bill fiscally irresponsible, expressing frustration that legal residents are overlooked while those who entered the country illegally receive benefits.
Supporters claim that extending homeownership opportunities to everyone, regardless of citizenship status, is a matter of fairness. Arambula insists that the program promotes economic equity and that homeownership should be accessible to all residents. However, opponents believe that the state’s resources should be used to help those who have followed the legal path.
The bill passed through the Senate Appropriations Committee and awaits a full Senate vote. If approved, the program could set a concerning precedent for prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens who are already struggling to achieve the American Dream.
