House of Representatives Adopts Vargas Amendment to Affirm DREAMers Eligibility for FHA Backed Loans
WASHINTON, D.C. (June 24, 2019) – Today, the House of Representatives adopted Rep. Juan Vargas’ (CA-51) amendment to the fiscal year 2020 minibus funding bill. The amendment would prohibit any funds from being used to bar or limit Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) beneficiaries, “DREAMers,” from receiving mortgage loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) – solely on the basis of their status. Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) is a co-sponsor of the amendment.
“Within minutes of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reversing its interpretation of its lending policy, DACA beneficiaries and their families were immediately blocked from homeownership – effectively ending their dreams of owning a home,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “I am pleased that the House of Representatives has adopted my amendment to prohibit HUD from discriminating against DREAMers on the basis of their status.”
Rep. Vargas’ amendment is included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bill which funds the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other agencies, including the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.
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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