The Biden administration is proposing a $15,000 downpayment tax credit to help potential homebuyers who can afford monthly mortgage payments but do not have savings for a downpayment. In this seminar, researchers will discuss two Center-supported projects focused on who might be aided by downpayment assistance and the choices policymakers will need to make as they move forward with the plan. Raheem Hanifa, a Center research analyst, will discuss research he is doing (with Chris Herbert and Daniel McCue) on the demographics of renters who would most benefit from downpayment assistance, as well as the regional differences in the share of required downpayments that would be covered by $15,000 in assistance. Benjamin Ward, a former Center researcher, will discuss his research into downpayment assistance programs in four other countries – Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand – and how those programs illustrate the key design choices that US policymakers will have to make as they move forward with the Biden proposal.
The Housing Needs of Undocumented Residents
JOIN US VIRTUALLY ON FRIDAY, JULY 25TH 12PM
Undocumented immigrants face unique and often invisible barriers to housing—exclusion from federal programs, fear of retaliation, and discriminatory screening practices.
Join us for a timely conversation on how we can break down these barriers and advance housing solutions that include everyone—regardless of immigration status.
We’ll explore:
– Why undocumented immigrants are excluded from key housing programs
– How fear and discrimination drive housing instability
– Local policies and community-based models creating real change