A bill making its way through California’s legislature could offer state-funded home loans to illegal immigrants, igniting controversy among taxpayers. AB 1840, spearheaded by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D), would extend the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program to cover illegal immigrants. The program provides up to 20% of a home’s purchase price as a loan, which does not require interest or monthly payments. Critics argue that the bill prioritizes non-citizens while many American citizens are left struggling to secure housing.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond voiced strong opposition, citing California’s $60 billion budget deficit. Desmond believes that taxpayer resources should focus on helping legal residents and citizens who are grappling with the state’s housing affordability crisis. Many view this bill as yet another example of California’s tendency to favor illegal immigrants over law-abiding taxpayers.
Supporters, however, argue that extending homeownership opportunities to everyone, regardless of citizenship status, is a matter of social equity. Arambula maintains that this program will help build stronger communities by making homeownership more accessible to those who are often excluded. Nonetheless, opponents remain steadfast in their belief that this policy unfairly disadvantages American citizens.
The bill recently passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and now heads to a full Senate vote, where it is expected to pass given the Democrat majority. If signed into law, it could lead to similar measures being introduced across other states, further prioritizing non-citizens in taxpayer-funded programs.
Many citizens are left asking why their hard-earned tax dollars are being used to support those who broke the law to enter the country.
