( NewsNation ) — The California Senate passed a controversial bill Tuesday that would allow some migrants in the country illegally to secure first-time homebuying loans.
If Assembly Bill 1840 becomes law, migrants could participate in a lottery system that would provide them up to 20% in down payment assistance or closing costs up to $150,000.
With immigration such a contentious topic this election year , there’s concern that passing the bill might make Democrats appear lenient on immigration. This has led to speculation that Gov. Gavin Newsom, a strong party loyalist, may ultimately veto the bill.
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What are the eligibility requirements?
If AB 1840 becomes law, it would expand the eligibility requirement for the state’s first-time homebuyer loan program, the California Dream For All Shared Appreciation program , to allow migrants who live in the state to use it.
So far this year, 18,000 people have applied for the program and only 1,700 were chosen.