Florida bans Chinese citizens from buying real estate
Chinese nationals (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Florida has been granted the right to impose a ban on Chinese citizens purchasing real estate. The federal appeals court approved the corresponding state law, according to Reuters.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has upheld a law passed in Florida in 2023 that prohibits citizens of the People's Republic of China who are not permanent US residents from purchasing land or real estate in the state.
The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis at the time, became part of efforts aimed at limiting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the United States.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the law, stating that it discriminates against Asians based on nationality and contradicts federal foreign investment regulations.
The court carefully examined all evidence and ruled that the plaintiffs did not have sufficient grounds to challenge the law, as it applies only to individuals who permanently reside in China, not those who have long been living in the United States.
What the law stipulates
The law prohibits Chinese citizens who do not have US citizenship or a green card from purchasing real estate in the state of Florida.
However, there are exceptions — individuals with work or student visas may purchase one residential property of up to two acres, provided it is located at least 8 kilometers away from military bases.
Why it matters
Governor DeSantis stated that the restrictions were introduced to protect national security and to prevent China's influence over US strategic facilities, particularly military bases, of which there are more than two dozen in Florida.
Human rights advocates, however, warn that the law could "blatantly target immigrants based on their national origin and ethnicity" and remind that similar laws existed in the United States in the early 20th century and were directed against Asian immigrants.
The ACLU has already said it will continue to fight against such initiatives and is considering the possibility of filing a new lawsuit.
At the same time, experts predict that after the court's decision, other states may also consider introducing restrictions for citizens of the People's Republic of China or other countries that Washington deems unfriendly.
The day before, China announced the suspension of an additional 24% tariff on US goods for one year.
