Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is set to introduce the Keeping Aid for Municipalities and Localities Accountable, also known as the KAMALA Act, as a way to block the federal government from providing resources to states that provide financial assistance to illegal immigrants seeking housing. The bill comes in response to recent legislation considered by the California legislature that would make illegal immigrants eligible for up to $150,000 in state-supported home loans. 

The KAMALA Act, named in an effort to tie Vice President Kamala Harris to immigration problems in her home state as the 2024 election heats up, would add new language to the Community Development Block Grant to ensure funded programs are used solely for U.S. citizens rather than residents who are in America illegally or those seeking asylum or parole.

KAMALA Act by web-producers

The legislation would also prohibit the Department of Housing and Urban Development from allocating Community Development Block Grant funding to states or localities that allow illegal immigrants, parolees, or asylees to participate in housing assistance or community development programs, according to the bill text. 

The proposal comes in direct response to the California Dream for All program that was considered by the state’s legislature earlier this month. The program sought to provide 20% in down payment assistance to illegal immigrants, up to $150,000. 

The program would receive state funding as well as money from the California Housing Finance Agency, which generates revenue through mortgage loans rather than through taxpayer dollars. 

Democratic state Rep. Joaquin Arambula, who authored the bill, defended the proposal by arguing it specifically 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 the state can’t afford to use government funds for illegal immigrants. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) ultimately vetoed the bill, citing that same lack of funding.

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

The KAMALA Act has already garnered the support of 10 co-sponsors, 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).