Rep. Jimmy Gomez Proposes $175B Housing Affordability Bill Redirecting Immigration Funds

U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez of California introduced the 'Make Housing Affordable & Defend Democracy Act,' aiming to redirect $175 billion originally allocated for immigration enforcement under the Trump administration to address the U.S. housing affordability crisis. This bill proposes investing in renter assistance, down payment aid for first-time homebuyers, construction of starter homes, and conversion of commercial properties into residential units. The legislation seeks to alleviate the burden on Americans facing rising mortgage rates, elevated property taxes, homeowner insurance premiums, and other housing-related costs that have suppressed first-time homebuyer rates to historic lows. According to the National Association of Realtors, first-time buyers represent only 21% of the market, with the average first-time purchaser age reaching 40 years, highlighting the challenge of affordable housing supply. Gomez criticized the previous allocation of funds towards border enforcement, describing it as wasteful and advocating for those resources to support broad-based housing initiatives. His bill introduces a novel monthly Renter Tax Credit and aims to provide substantial down payment assistance, potentially exceeding $60,000, for first-generation homeowners. The legislation enjoys support from over 60 House members and several advocacy groups focused on immigrant rights and affordable housing. Gomez has acknowledged that housing affordability is a bipartisan concern impacting various regions and demographics, emphasizing that addressing it could improve economic capacity for Americans to invest in other areas like education and retirement. The bill also seeks to convert idle commercial space into affordable housing and expand deeply affordable housing units nationwide. The Trump administration's previous efforts included immigration-related housing program restrictions and proposals to increase housing stock through deregulation on federal lands, though these have not significantly alleviated affordability issues. Gomez contrasts these approaches with his bill, framing it as a comprehensive strategy to improve homeownership accessibility and housing market stability.