Can an illegfal immigrant buy a co-op in NYC?

Co-op boards routinely ask about citizenship. I can't imagine one accepting you. But you wouldn't get that far, the seller won't accept your offer.

I dont think I've seen a direct question about status on the applications I have been part of, but they do ask for SS numbers to do background and credit checks. Without that, it might be a practical problem.

I bought into a Manhattan co-op when I was here on an H1B visa. It wasn't an issue with the co-op board or the mortgage lender. That was back in 2008, so things may have changed since then.

If you are an illegal alien, you've violated the law regarding where you are allowed to be, so I guess a co-op - that's no big deal, right?

In New York City, you are protected against housing discrimination in any number of categories, including citizenship status. more here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fhnyc/html/home/home.shtml

That said, it's perfect legitimate for co-ops to ask financial questions, and they're going to want to see where your money is, what taxes you've paid on it, and where your U.S. ties are (because they don't want you to buy a property, hit financial difficulties, stop paying your maintenance, and run off to another country where it's tough to collect from you.)

So they can't ask, but you sort of have to tell. For more details, I'd talk to your broker, your real estate atty, or call 311 and ask for the city's Fair Housing people.

ali r.
{downtown broker}

Illegal aliens aren't allowed to work. So no legal source of income.

Well when you get thrown out of the country because you've illegally overstayed your tourist visa, the coop/condo would probably have a problem with that.

Under current administrations , not only will it be OK ,
but you can be a member of ISIS and receiive welfare + food stamps