California proposes bill that could make the state an immigration hotspot over Texas

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A proposed bill being discussed in California could simplify the process of undocumented immigrants buying homes.

AB 1840 is set to expand eligibility criteria for a state loan program to expand these loans to include undocumented migrants who are first-time buyers, making California a potential hotspot for asylum seekers.

The bill adds specific wording to the California Dream for All program, stating that people would no longer be ineligible due to immigration status.

“When we said it was a dream for all, that's what we meant," said Arambula.

Democratic assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, a Fresno representative and author of the bill, noted that the current program in place is "broken" and in need of modifications.

“For many people who have been here for years, if not decades, because we have a broken immigration system, who have been paying taxes and doing their hard work as well as building up a credit score, we need to figure out how to open doors for all people to realize that dream of homeownership,” said Arambula.

California also recently passed a $3 billion bill that would provide free health insurance to undocumented immigrants.

It is the first state to expand its state healthcare program eligibility to include all undocumented immigrants.

“In California, we believe everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care coverage – regardless of income or immigration status,” Gov. Newsom’s office said. “Through this expansion, we’re making sure families and communities across California are healthier, stronger, and able to get the care they need when they need it.”

As California looks to make homeownership -- and life in general-- easier for undocumented immigrants, it is fair to wonder if migrants will seek asylum in the Golden State over Texas.

So far, Operation Lone Star has made it incredibly difficult for immigrants to get settled in Texas.

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 500,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 39,500 criminal arrests, with more than 35,600 felony charges, according to a Texas Governor's Office report.

Additionally, Texas has also transported:

• Over 12,500 migrants to Washington, D.C. since April 2022
• Over 37,900 migrants to New York City since August 2022
• Over 31,500 migrants to Chicago since August 2022
• Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022
• Over 16,300 migrants to Denver since May 18
• Over 1,500 migrants to Los Angeles since June 14

With Texas Gov. Abbott adamant on reducing illegal immigration amid his feud with the Biden administration, asylum seekers may head west to California.

California's illegal immigration numbers have risen for three consecutive years, from approximately 260,000 in fiscal year 2021 to 362,000 and 450,000 in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, respectively, according to Customs and Border Protection data.