The Republican Party has introduced new legislation aimed at tightening eligibility for federally backed home loans, restricting access to US citizens only.
Under the new legislation introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill, non-citizens and illegal aliens would be barred from accessing taxpayer-funded mortgage programs. The Homeownership Eligibility Reform Act would also prohibit government-sponsored mortgage giants like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from purchasing or securitising loans made to undocumented immigrants. Gill says the legislation restores the purpose of federal housing support. “The sole purpose of our housing programs is to help Americans build wealth and achieve the American Dream,” he said. “Illegal immigration is making that impossible.”
Under current federal policy, DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and certain “non-permanent residents” can be eligible for federal loans. A 2025 Housing and Urban Development rule narrowed this access which had been expanded under the Biden administration. Democrats including Juan Vargas and Sylvia Garcia, previously introduced the Housing Stability for Dreamers Act, which sought to preserve mortgage eligibility for DACA recipients under federal housing programs.
Gill is seeking to codify a strict citizenship requirement for access to FHA-backed mortgages and extend that restriction across federally influenced mortgage markets. It comes after a landmark bipartisan agreement on affordable housing policy with the passing of the housing bill, called the called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
Last week, Trump called the measure "a big yawn", saying it was "so unimportant" compared to the SAVE America Act. Trump said he would not support the housing bill until the Act passes in the Senate, where it has not been able to gain the necessary support.