California's Assembly passed a bill in the state Senate on Tuesday that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for the “California Dream for All” first-time homebuyer financial assistance program.
AB 1840 requires the California Housing Finance Agency’s homebuying assistance program, or the “California Dream for All program,” to include undocumented applicants.
California close to approving $150,000 loans to help illegal immigrants buy homes
The California Dream for All program passed despite running out of funds just 11 days after it was launched in June. The program provided benefits to 1,700 first-time homebuyers at the time. Finding more funding for the program was a top concern in the legislative debate.
A spokesperson for the California Department of Finance confirmed to KCRA 3 on Tuesday that California Dream for All has no money left to fund the program.
A view of the California State Capitol taken during the National League of Cities California State Capitol Advocacy Day on March 13, 2024 in Sacramento, California. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images via National Urban League)
The program would give first-time homebuyers down payment assistance of up to 20 percent of a home's price, or up to $150,000. The bill now goes back to the California Assembly for possible amendments by the state Senate.
If the bill passes, it will head to California Governor Gavin Newsom's desk to be signed into law.
5 California taxes Kamala Harris could use to crush the middle class
The bill passed along party lines, with 12 votes to the tune of 23 to 11. Some Democrats in attendance did not vote.
Democrats who supported the bill said during debate that illegal immigrants who apply for the program would have to pay taxes and show proof of employment, while Republicans criticized the bill, saying it could exclude groups such as military veterans from the California Dream for All program.
No funding was allocated to the California Dream for All program this year due to a projected budget shortfall for fiscal year 2024-2025. Both the Governor and the Legislature must approve allocating funding in future years in order for the program to continue.
California's 2024 legislative session ends Saturday after 11:59 p.m.
Click here to get the FOX News app
The California Department of Finance did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
