California Republicans are expressing concerns over a bill that would grant undocumented immigrants access to low-cost loans for first-time homes as Governor Gavin Newsom contemplates whether to sign or veto it. The bill has already been approved by the California Assembly and Senate, with votes primarily divided along party lines, highlighting the Democratic supermajorities in the state.
Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, a prominent critic within the GOP, expressed his strong opposition to the bill, stating that he firmly believes it sends a clear message to the rest of the world – encouraging people to come to California, whether legally or illegally.
“California Democrats are offering illegal immigrants more and more handouts every day—first, it was free healthcare, and now it’s free down payment assistance. This will lessen the money available for veterans and their families to purchase homes.”
According to Jones, bills such as AB 1840 pose a significant threat to our economic well-being and will only worsen the already existing affordability problems in California’s housing market.
Jones’ viewpoint has resonated with the state’s Republican party. According to Jessica Millan Patterson, the chairwoman of the organization, the Democrats in California are implementing drastic housing policies that disregard the 86 percent of Californians who cannot afford to buy a home in the state. She further criticized the opposing party and raised doubts about the project’s viability.
“What makes it worse, leave it to California Democrats who can’t count themselves out of a paper bag to pass legislation that lacks any mechanism to even fund it. California Democrats are not serious people, and Californians are left to suffer the consequences of this party’s incompetence.”
Assembly Bill 1840, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, aims to address the issue of fairness in the existing program. Arambula has emphasized that the legislation is not about immigration or the broader housing crisis. Instead, it aims to rectify the ambiguity in the current program, which often deters undocumented individuals from applying, even if they meet the necessary financial criteria.
Advocates for affordable housing and immigrant rights groups, among others, argue that the bill is in line with California’s principles of fairness and acceptance.
