Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces the Homeownership for Dreamers Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 6, 2019) – Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) led the introduction of H.R. 3154, the Homeownership for Dreamers Act. The bill aims to clarify that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) beneficiaries are eligible for Federal Housing Administration home loans, home loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and Rural Housing home loans.
“The Trump administration is quietly forcing mortgage lenders to unjustly deny Dreamers home loans. H.R. 3154 will correct this discriminatory practice and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to immigrants,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “When my parents purchased their first home it provided more than just shelter for my siblings and me. It offered us a sense of stability that helped us do well in school, at work, and beyond. Dreamers and their families deserve the same opportunity.”
H.R. 3154 clarifies that eligibility of certain mortgages with federal credit enhancement may not be conditioned on the status of the mortgagor as a DACA beneficiary if all other eligibility criteria are satisfied. This bill has been endorsed by Mortgage Bankers Association; The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Asian Real Estate Association of America; Center for Responsible Lending; National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals; National Fair Housing Alliance; and UnidosUS.
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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