SAN DIEGO — A new proposed bill working its way through Sacramento could make it easier for undocumented immigrants to purchase a home in California.
AB 1840 adds specific wording about immigration status to the "California Dream For All” program, which is the state’s down payment assistance program. It says applicants should not be disqualified based on their immigration status.
The California Dream for All program is a down payment assistance program for low to moderate income aspiring homeowners. Those selected get a 20% down payment on a home. This has to be paid back plus interest if the homeowner sells.
“When we said it was a dream for all, that's what we meant," said California Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula.
Arambula, a Democrat representing many communities in Fresno, is the author of AB 1840.
“For many people who have been here for years, if not decades, because we have a broken immigration system, who have been paying taxes and doing their hard work as well as building up a credit score, we need to figure out how to open doors for all people to realize that dream of homeownership,” said Arambula.
Meanwhile, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said the money available for the California Dream For All program should only go to legal citizens or veterans assistance programs.
“They should be first in line to buy homes and to get assistance, not people who aren’t from this country," said Wells, who is also a congressional candidate for the 51st district. "And you know, in fact, some come from countries that our young men and women were actually fighting against."
“We shouldn't move people to the front of the line who haven't paid their dues,” Wells said.
Arambula said the money should be available to everyone who qualifies, which means they have a social security number or an ITIN number. He said there are already programs for veterans and more in the works.
“We're passing housing bonds that ultimately will allow us to bring resources specifically for our veterans and look forward to the opportunity to make sure that we're able to walk and chew gum at the same time,” said Arambula.
Wells said statistics show less than 15% of Californians can even afford a home here.
“So I don't understand why we're letting people that have lived here all their lives, and sometimes for generations, twist in the wind and not be able to afford their own home,” said Wells.
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