(DailyVantage.com) – Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed support for a new California bill that would allow illegal immigrants to get financial help to buy homes. The bill, AB 1840, was passed by California lawmakers and would make undocumented immigrants eligible for taxpayer-funded loans through the California Dream for All Program, which helps first-time homebuyers.
During an appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher” on Friday, Pelosi was asked about her stance on the bill. Maher noted that the Democratic Party’s position on immigration seemed to have shifted. He pointed out that supporting housing assistance for undocumented immigrants was a new approach.
Pelosi responded by saying, “Immigration used to be a bipartisan issue,” but Maher quickly interrupted, saying, “But not free housing.”
Pelosi pushed back, saying it wasn’t about giving away free housing. “It’s about making the American Dream available to more people,” she said. She then referred to former President Ronald Reagan’s speech about the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of hope for immigrants, emphasizing that America’s greatness came from keeping its doors open.
Maher pressed Pelosi on whether she would vote for the bill. While Pelosi didn’t give a direct answer, she said that the goal should be to move undocumented immigrants toward legal status. She added that passing comprehensive immigration reform would be a great boost for the economy. Pelosi highlighted that California has always been a leader in such policies and said that other states might follow.
Maher also made it clear that the bill would help people who aren’t citizens yet. In response, Pelosi said that homeownership should be accessible to all who are in the country. She reiterated her support for immigration reform, suggesting it’s a key part of ensuring a stronger economy.
AB 1840 expands California’s homebuyer assistance program to include undocumented immigrants, allowing them to apply for loans, even if they haven’t gained legal status yet, according to reports.
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