He surprised everyone with his move.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills expressed gratitude late Friday to California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing a bill that proposed providing up to $150,000 in down payment assistance for illegal immigrants purchasing their first homes.
On Friday, Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1840, which aimed to broaden the California Dream for All initiative by offering illegal immigrants—who were first-time homebuyers—up to 20% of a home’s value, with a maximum of $150,000 for down payments.
In his veto letter to the California State Assembly, Newsom highlighted the limited funding available for home purchase assistance programs. He noted that the bill sought to prevent disqualification from such programs based solely on immigration status. However, he argued that expanding eligibility must be evaluated within the constraints of the state budget to ensure effective resource management.
“I am unable to sign the bill,” Newsom stated, citing the need for careful consideration of program funding.
Pastor Hibbs responded with a post on X, beginning with a message in all caps: “FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN MY LIFE — I am going to thank and compliment California Governor Gavin Newsom.” Representing himself and “millions of Californians,” Hibbs expressed surprise and appreciation for the veto, although he was unclear about Newsom’s reasons. He praised the governor for showing “conviction and courage” and urged him to continue making decisions that protect communities and children. Hibbs also called for stronger border security to address illegal immigration.
Some Democrats defended the bill’s intent to offer housing benefits to illegal immigrants on par with other California residents. Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, in a June hearing, argued that the assistance was not given indiscriminately.
On HBO’s “Real Time” with Bill Maher, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported making home ownership available to everyone, including those who are undocumented, and suggested that their status should be adjusted to “documented.” Maher challenged this view, suggesting that such policies represent a shift in the Democratic Party’s stance on immigration.
Pelosi acknowledged that she was not deeply familiar with the bill’s specifics but reiterated that expanding access to home ownership aligns with making the American Dream accessible to all current residents.