opinion
California is vying for the title of the best place for illegal immigrants to flee to in the United States with what seems like a never-ending list of state-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants. A recent effort by a Fresno District Council member aims to provide a home loan benefit to first-time homebuyers who entered the country illegally.
As the dream of homeownership slips from the hands of young American families, this potential addition could make it more difficult for Californians to get the benefits their tax dollars pay. The question that should be at the top of every legal It must be the mind of a Californian why California lawmakers want to make it more attractive for illegal immigrants to flock to their state.
The un-American dream
Rep. Joaquín Arambula has introduced a bill to expand eligibility for California's loan program to include undocumented immigrants. The current program, the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan, offers first-time homebuyers a loan of 20% of the purchase price.
The loan does not accrue any interest and does not require any monthly payments. When a homebuyer sells his home, he must repay the loan plus 20% of the increase in the home's value.
The program was initially intended for low- and moderate-income Californians, and Mr. Arambula says it should also be available to undocumented immigrants residing in the state.
Mr. Arambula explains:
“Homeownership has historically been the primary means of accumulating generational wealth in the United States. The social and economic benefits of homeownership should be available to everyone.
RELATED: Mike Lee on 'Schumer Minibus' temporary spending bill: 'Secure the border or shut it down'
Not everyone in California is keen on the idea of legal California citizens having to compete for a state-financed home loan with illegal immigrants. State Senator Brian Daly disputes this argument, noting that this addition to the original bill:
“…an insult to Californians who are being left behind and kept out of homeownership. I fully support helping first-time homebuyers, but prioritize those who have been here in our state legally.”
However, the priority for Californians is not on Governor Gavin Newsom's agenda.
Flee to the golden state!
In the past few years, California has approved an incredible amount of state-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants. In addition to being eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid for public schools, undocumented immigrants in California also receive health care from California taxpayers.
Governor Newsom recently expanded a 2015 program that included children of undocumented immigrants in the state's version of Medicaid to include adults over age 50. The care will include hormone and sex reassignment surgeries paid for by Californians at an estimated cost of $3.1 billion.
The state also has a monthly income program for undocumented immigrants called the Cash Assistance for Immigrants Program, or CAPI. The program consists of:
“…a 100% state-funded program designed to provide monthly cash benefits to elderly, blind, and disabled noncitizens who are not eligible for Supplemental Security Income/Supplemental State Payment (SSI/SSP) solely because of their immigration status.”
RELATED: Woman on Fixed Income, City Council Pirates over Flood of Illegal Immigrants
The wording is interesting above; Instead of calling these individuals illegal immigrants, California reclassifies them as “noncitizens” or labels them as if they are stuck due to some administrative error using the phrase “due to their immigration status.”
Mr. Arambula does the same with the language used in the home loan bill update:
“…an applicant may not be excluded under the program based solely on the applicant’s immigration status.”
What exactly is the situation? With benefits like these, it's no wonder people from near and far flock to our southern border without any regard for our laws.
Why follow the rules when you can break them and get more benefits than the rule followers and actual citizens who foot the bill for those same benefits?
It's time to support and share the sources you trust.
The Policy Insider ranks third on Feedspot's “Top 100 Political Blogs and Websites” list.
