A recent controversy has erupted over a $30,000 down payment assistance program offered by the Hacienda Community Development Corporation (HCDC) in Oregon, leading to widespread criticism and an official apology from the organization. The backlash followed a flyer that suggested the grant was available exclusively to non-U.S. citizens, including DACA recipients, refugees, and green card holders, while excluding American citizens.
The flyer, which was circulated on social media and highlighted on Fox News' Varney & Co., triggered significant outrage. Host Stuart Varney criticized the program as a form of "state-sponsored discrimination," accusing it of prioritizing non-U.S. citizens over American citizens. "A taxpayer-funded group is offering $30,000 to new homebuyers... You cannot apply if you're an American citizen. What's with that?" Varney asked during the segment.
Lauren Simonetti, another Fox News anchor, added fuel to the fire, arguing that the program undermines the "American dream" by targeting non-U.S. citizens. The controversy intensified when Varney suggested the program was part of a broader strategy to influence voter demographics, a claim that further polarized the discussion.
In response to the uproar, HCDC issued a swift apology. Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of the organization, explained that the flyer had contained inaccuracies. "A graphic circulated on social media mistakenly specifies the program is 'only for people who are not American citizens,'" Fonseca told Newsweek. He clarified that the Economic Equity Investment (EEI) Program is intended to assist all eligible Oregonians, regardless of citizenship status. "This was an error made by a social media consultant, and it is not true," Fonseca added.
The EEI Program is funded through the Oregon SB 1579, the Economic Equity Investment Act, which aims to promote economic stability and equity among disadvantaged communities in the state. The grant, which was allocated to HCDC from the Oregon Department of Economic Development, is designed to support up to 21 homebuyers. To qualify, applicants must be Oregon taxpayers with a pre-approved mortgage and meet two out of five risk factors, which include socioeconomic status and residence in rural areas.
The program's funding and purpose have been misunderstood by some critics. Republican Oregon State Representative Ed Diehl labeled the initiative as "state-sponsored discrimination," criticizing the allocation of taxpayer funds to non-U.S. citizens. Diehl's remarks reflect broader political tensions in Oregon, where some state lawmakers are seeking to challenge existing sanctuary laws.
In response to the misinformation, HCDC issued a public statement emphasizing their commitment to serving all Oregonians equally. "False information about Hacienda CDC and one of our down payment assistance programs has rapidly circulated," the statement reads. "We do not discriminate against anyone and serve all Oregonians equally."
The controversy surrounding the grant highlights ongoing debates about immigration, citizenship, and the allocation of public resources. Critics have pointed out that in a state where the median home price exceeds $500,000, the housing market's challenges affect many Americans, including those struggling to afford homeownership amid rising interest rates.
