California Democrats are “crazy” for passing progressive legislation that would give illegal immigrants up to $150,000 toward first-time home purchases, officials said.
The bill, AB 1840, would require the California Housing Finance Authority's homeownership assistance program, or California Dream for All Program, to include applications for illegal immigrants.
The bill passed the state Senate on Tuesday.
California is close to approving $150,000 loans for illegal immigrants to help them buy homes
Illegal immigrants in California could be eligible for state assistance to buy a home under a bill the state Legislature sent to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) argued that the legislation would exacerbate the border crisis, the housing crisis and the high cost of living in the Golden State.
EX-CALIFORNIAN CRITICISES STATE BILL GIVING HOME LOANS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: 'GREAT'
“I didn't know it was possible to make the border crisis and housing crisis worse with one vote, but Democrats found a way,” Gallagher said. “Giving taxpayer-funded housing subsidies to illegal immigrants will further increase costs and foster more chaos at the border.”
“This is madness and it has to stop,” he said.
A view of the California State Capitol building at the National Urban League of California's Legislative Advocacy Day on March 13, 2024 in Sacramento, California. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for the National Urban League)
The California Dream for All program was approved despite funds running out just 11 days after it was implemented in June, when it was awarded to 1,700 first-time homebuyers at the time. Finding more funding for the program was the main concern in the floor debate.
The program offers first-time homebuyers up to 20 percent of the home's value or up to $150,000 in down payment assistance. The bill now returns to the California State Assembly for review of amendments made by the State Senate.
California Governor Gavin Newsom greets people on Monday, July 8, 2024, near the Common Man Roadside Market and Deli, in Hooksett, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The bill passed on a party-line vote of 23 to 11. Some Democrats present did not vote.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has not said whether he will sign the bill if it is approved by the legislature by the Aug. 31 deadline.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Governor Newsom's press secretary said the California governor will evaluate the legislation when it reaches his desk.
Fox News Digital's Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
