Anadolu via Getty Images

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a controversial bill that would have given $150,000 mortgage down payment loans to illegal immigrants.

Last month, the California Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved state bill AB 1840 giving home loan assistance to illegal immigrants.

The $300 million bill would have allowed undocumented immigrants access to the state’s zero down, no payment “loan” program.

iStock / Getty Images Plus

However, Newsom vetoed the bill on Friday. In his veto letter, the governor said the bill would have prohibited the rejection of loan applicants based on their immigration status.

He said expanding eligibility to undocumented immigrants would have created a financial burden on the annual state budget.

Newsom wrote, “eligibility must be carefully considered… to ensure we manage our resources effectively. For this reason, I am unable to sign this bill.”

However, Democrat lawmakers defended the legislation, arguing that it is simply designed to give illegal immigrants the same benefits afforded to everyone else in the state.

The Image Bank RF / Getty Images

“The social and economic benefits of homeownership should be available to everyone,” wrote bill author Assembly member Joaquin Arambula, a Democrat.

“When undocumented individuals are excluded from such programs, they miss out on a crucial method of securing financial security and personal stability for themselves and their families,” he added.
 
READ ALSO: Kamala Harris proposes $25K for first-time homebuyers
 
The news comes days after Kamala Harris proposed $25,000 in down payment assistance for first generation homebuyers.

X.com users expressed their gratitude to Newsom on X.com.