House Republicans Want to Block Federal Funding for States That Provide Housing Aid to Illegal Immigrants

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is introducing the Keeping Aid for Municipalities and Localities Accountable Act, also known as the KAMALA Act, as a way to block the federal government from providing resources to states that provide financial assistance to undocumented immigrants seeking housing. The bill is a response to recent legislation considered by the California legislature that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain up to $150,000 in federally backed housing loans.

The KAMALA Act, which takes its name from an attempt to link Vice President Kamala Harris to immigration issues in her home state ahead of the 2024 election, would add new provisions to the Community Development Block Grant program to ensure that funded programs are used only to benefit U.S. citizens, not residents living in the U.S. illegally or people seeking asylum or parole.

The KAMALA Act by website producers

Under the bill, the provisions would also prohibit the Department of Housing and Urban Development from awarding Community Development Block Grant funds to states or localities that allow undocumented immigrants, parolees, or asylum seekers to participate in housing assistance or community development programs.

The proposal is a direct response to the California Dream for All program, which was considered by the state legislature earlier this month. The program was intended to provide 20% down payment assistance to undocumented immigrants, up to $150,000.

The program will be funded by a mix of state funds and money from the California Housing Finance Agency, which generates revenue through mortgage loans rather than taxpayer money.

Democratic state Rep. Joaquin Arambula, who authored the bill, defended the proposal, arguing that it requires applicants to meet requirements set by the Federal National Mortgage Association. Those requirements include providing a taxpayer identification number or Social Security number to prove they pay state taxes.

However, Republicans in California opposed the bill, arguing that the state could not afford to use government funds on undocumented immigrants. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) ultimately vetoed the bill, citing the same lack of funds.

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Other Republicans, such as Biggs, argued that such a program would only encourage illegal immigration by providing incentives to those who are in the U.S. illegally and seek housing assistance. Biggs also argued that it would make housing prices unaffordable for middle-class homebuyers.

The KAMALA Act has already garnered the support of 10 cosponsors, including Reps. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Elijah Crane (R-AZ), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Bob Good (R-VA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Andy Harris (R-MD), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Andrew Clyde (R-GA) and Tim Burchett (R-TN).