Oregon’s “Camino a Casa” program, run by the Hacienda Community Development Corporation, offers up to $30,000 in down payment assistance exclusively to non-citizen homebuyers. Funded by taxpayer dollars through the Economic Equity Investment Program, this initiative has faced criticism for excluding American citizens amidst the state’s severe housing crisis.State Representative Ed Diehl and many Oregonians have voiced frustration, arguing that the program overlooks American citizens struggling with housing. The controversy is heightened by the state’s housing shortage and the broader impact of increased migration on housing markets.

Federal and state legislators are exploring solutions to the housing crisis, including proposals to utilize federal land for home construction. As Oregon navigates this complex issue, the debate over the program’s fairness and the allocation of taxpayer funds continues.