FIRST ON FOX: California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a controversial bill that would have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in home loans to illegal immigrants.
Last month, the California Legislature advanced AB 1840, known as the “California Dream for All” loan program, which would have given illegal immigrants up to $150,000 in first-time home ownership loans — a bill that, if signed into law, would have given first-time buyers up to 20% of a home’s value or up to $150,000 in down payment assistance.
“This bill seeks to prohibit the disqualification of applicants from one of the California Housing Finance Agency’s (CalHFA) home purchase assistance programs based solely on their immigration status. Given the limited funding available for CalHFA programs, expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader field. the context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively,” Newsom said in the veto letter.
“For this reason, I cannot sign this bill.”
CALIFORNIA CLOSE TO APPROVING $150,000 LOANS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO HELP BUY HOMES
California Governor Gavin Newsom greets people near the Common Man Roadside Market and Deli in Hooksett, New Hampshire, on July 8. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
However, Democratic lawmakers in the state have defended the legislation, arguing that it is simply designed to give illegal immigrants the same benefits as everyone else in the state.
“It’s not handed out willingly to just anyone,” Democratic Assemblywoman Eloise Gómez Reyes said during a June hearing on the bill.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Lee contributed to this report.