California governor vetoes bill to make immigrants without legal status eligible for home loans

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Friday that could have made immigrants without legal status eligible for loans under a state program offering assistance to first-time homebuyers.

The bill drew staunch opposition from Republicans well beyond California, with many arguing the state, known for its expensive housing market, should prioritize housing assistance for residents who are in the country legally. But proponents say the legislation would have improved the quality of life for hard-working families, regardless of their immigration status.

Newsom, a Democrat often seen as a potential presidential candidate in the future, said he could not sign the bill because of limited funding available for state housing assistance programs.

“Expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively,” Newsom wrote in a letter explaining his decision.

The proposal is among many state lawmakers have advanced in recent years aimed at expanding services for immigrants living in the country illegally. Another bill the Legislature sent to Newsom this year would require the state Employment Development Department to create a plan by March 31, 2025, to provide cash assistance to unemployed residents who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits due to their immigration status.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«RELATED COVERAGE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true»