In a recent appearance on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) commented on a new California bill that suggests providing government aid to undocumented immigrants for buying homes. The bill, which Governor Gavin Newsom has not yet signed, represents a notable change in the state’s stance on immigration and housing regulations.
Bill Maher, as the host, urged Pelosi by pointing out the progressive nature of the legislation and highlighting its divergence from traditional Democratic positions on immigration.
“The California lawmakers just passed a law — it hasn’t been signed by Gov. Newsom (D) — but giving government assistance to undocumented immigrants to buy houses. That’s kind of a different place than the Democratic Party used to be on immigration, is it not?” Maher asked.
Pelosi recognized the changing nature of immigration policy, highlighting its historical bipartisan nature.
“Well, let me just say, immigration had always been a bipartisan issue,” Pelosi responded, before Maher interjected to clarify that his question pertained specifically to housing, not general immigration.
Addressing the nuances of the proposed law, Pelosi clarified, “Well, it’s not free housing, it’s the American Dream being available to more people.”
She mentioned previous bipartisan backing for immigration reform and emphasized California’s leading position in implementing forward-thinking policies.
“California’s always in the lead, maybe others will follow that lead, but that’s up to those states. But we’re very blessed here with the beautiful diversity of our –,” she added, before being briefly interrupted by Maher for further clarification.
When Maher made it clear that the legislation was specifically for “the undocumented,” Pelosi articulated her expansive vision for immigration reform.
“Well, what I would like to do is move them to documented,” she stated, indicating a preference for a path to legalization and citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
The discussion then turned to the economic consequences of these policies. Pelosi contended that enacting comprehensive immigration reform would be one of the most effective steps for improving the U.S. economy.
“One of the best things that we can do for our economy is to pass comprehensive immigration reform, so that all of these people are participating more fully in our economy, contributing to it, contributing to Social Security, contributing in every way to it,” Pelosi elaborated.
She finished by commending California for its welcoming approach to immigrants and entrusted the details of policy execution to the judgment of individual states or regions.
This conversation arises amidst ongoing debates in American politics about immigration, with discussions escalating over the most effective ways to address illegal immigrant populations and their assimilation or removal from American society.
