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Florida bans Chinese citizens from buying land amid ‘national security’ concerns

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The state of Florida has put a ban on Chinese citizens from buying land, unless they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This recent development is a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday, Fox News reported.

New Florida law bans Chinese nationals from buying land in the state

“We don’t want the [Chinese Communist Party] in the Sunshine State,” the Republican governor announced at a press conference in Brooksville, Florida. “We want to maintain this as the free state of Florida.”

DeSantis highlighted concerns about the CCP making a “concerted effort to acquire farmland throughout the United States,” including in Florida. “Food security is also national security, and so we don’t want the CCP in charge of any food production,” the governor said.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Chinese ownership of U.S. land reached 352,140 acres in 2020, accounting for just 1% of the total foreign-held land. Meanwhile, Canadian investors owned the largest foreign-owned land at 12.4 million acres in the same year.

Under the newly signed Senate Bill 264, citizens of countries such as Russia, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela, which are labeled “countries of concern,” are prohibited from owning land within 10 miles of military bases and critical infrastructure, such as airports and power plants. However, the ban on owning land in Florida applies only to Chinese citizens, regardless of where the land is located in the state.

Chinese-Americans voice concerns over Florida’s ban on land purchases by Chinese nationals

Last month, several Chinese-Americans expressed their concerns about the newly proposed bill, fearing that it might result in discrimination. Many others were apprehensive that the bill could obstruct their ability to purchase homes in Florida if they have not yet obtained lawful permanent resident status.

“Once they pass it, I won’t be able to buy a house here in Florida,” said Zihua Hé, an H-1B visa holder stated. “It’s a part of my American dream,” the 27-year-old added, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

There are discussions in other states, like Texas, about implementing comparable measures. Furthermore, Senator Tom Cotton has proposed a national legislation to completely prohibit individuals associated with China from purchasing real estate in the United States.

About the author

Brendan Taylor

Brendan Taylor was a TV news producer for 5 and a half years. He is an experienced writer. Brendan covers Breaking News at Insider Paper.







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