Bill supported by Texas Republicans progresses with the intention of restricting foreign ownership of real estate properties, focusing primarily on Chinese buyers.
A Texas Bill Targeting Foreign Land Ownership: Back in the Game
Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB17), which aims to prevent citizens of countries identified as national security threats by the U.S. from buying land in Texas, scored a victory recently when it passed the House of Representatives. This follows an earlier version of the bill being approved by the Senate in March. But two years ago, it didn't become law.
The International PlayersThe targeted countries include China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. If the House's version, which grants the governor the power to expand the list of countries, makes it past the Senate, it's bound for Republican Governor Greg Abbott's desk, who's indicated his readiness to sign it into law.
Protection or Discrimination?The bill's supporters argue it's essential for safeguarding Texans from foreign interference. Yet, critics, including many Democratic representatives and Asian-American groups, label it as xenophobic and discriminatory.
Controversial TerrainDefenders of SB17, nicknamed the "anti-Chinese buying land bill," stress national security concerns and the importance of protecting Texas values. On the other hand, opponents raise concerns about discrimination, racial profiling, and potential economic harm, particularly when it comes to reducing foreign investment. They also critique the amendment on the governor's powers as an overreach without adequate oversight.
- The controversially nicknamed "anti-Chinese buying land bill," SB17, has once again gained momentum, having passed the Texas House of Representatives following its Senate approval in March.
- If the bill, which empowers the governor to expand the list of countries deemed national security threats, successfully navigates through the Senate, it will find a receptive signing hand in Republican Governor Greg Abbott.
- The legislation's supporters argue it safeguards Texans from foreign interference, but critics, including Asian-American groups and many Democratic representatives, label it xenophobic and discriminatory.
- Opponents of the bill express concerns about potential discrimination, economic harm, and even racial profiling, particularly with regards to reducing foreign investment, and question the governor's amendment as an unnecessary overreach with insufficient oversight.
