Newsom Vetoes Down-Payment Assistance Bill for Illegal Immigrant Homebuyers

The governor cites ‘finite funding’ in scrapping the bill, which would have provided up to $150,000 to first-time buyers regardless of immigration status.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivers remarks to reporters at Mather Airport in Mather, California, on Sept. 13, 2021. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Citing budget constraints and limited funding in the state’s housing assistance programs, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill on Sept. 6 that would have expanded eligibility to include illegal immigrants.

“Given the finite funding available for [California’s Housing and Finance Agency] 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 said in a veto letter sent to the Assembly.