- Texas bans citizens and entities from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing land or property, effective September 1.
- Governor Abbott calls it the toughest U.S. ban, citing national security threats.
- The law exempts U.S. citizens and legal residents but bars temporary visa holders from buying investment properties.
- Critics warn of racial profiling, while supporters argue it prevents hostile foreign influence.
- Similar laws face legal challenges, but Texas reinforces its stance as a national security leader.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 into law on June 20, banning citizens and entities from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing land or property in the state. The law, which goes into effect on September 1, is the toughest such measure in the nation, reinforcing Texas’ commitment to national security amid escalating global tensions.
Protecting Texas from foreign threats
Authored by Republican State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, SB 17 prohibits adversarial nations—identified by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) as security risks—from acquiring agricultural, commercial, industrial, or residential property. Governor Abbott hailed the legislation as a crucial defense against espionage, hostile influence, and threats to critical infrastructure.
"I signed SB 17, which is the toughest ban in America on preventing the sale of our land and other property to individuals and companies from China, Iran, North Korea & Russia," Abbott declared.
Republican State Representative Cole Hefner emphasized the bill’s urgency, stating, "We cannot, we will not, allow oppressive regimes who actively seek to do harm to seize control and dictate their terms over our economy, our supply chains, our daily lives."
Exemptions and enforcement
The law exempts U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals legally residing in America who seek to buy a primary residence. However, foreign nationals on temporary visas, such as students or tourists, are barred from purchasing investment properties. Violations will be investigated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and classified as felonies.
Kolkhorst justified the exclusions, arguing, "“The metric by which we decide who can and cannot be buying land here is to help the asylum seeker, but not to allow someone that just happens to be here on a tourist visa or a student visa to buy multiple properties, investment properties and everything else."
Critics, however, warn the law invites discrimination. State Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston) predicted landlords and sellers would racially profile Asian buyers, stating, "They're going to see Asian face, and they're going to say, ‘I'm not sure if I can legally sell to you.’" Advocacy groups like Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) condemned SB 17 as "overly broad," claiming it risks "racial profiling."
Legal challenges loom
SB 17 mirrors Florida’s contested ban, which a federal court deemed likely unconstitutional under the Fair Housing Act and 14th Amendment. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a similar bill, calling it "ineffective at counter-espionage."
Yet Texas Republicans doubled down, framing foreign land ownership as a pressing threat. China owns just 383,000 acres of U.S. farmland—less than 1% of foreign-held land—but Kolkhorst insisted preemptive action is vital: "We are protecting our land and our minerals. All of these are our resources that should never fall into the hands of adversarial nations."
National security experts applauded Texas’ move. Michael Lucci of State Armor Action remarked, ""Chinese companies purchasing American land, particularly near sensitive strategic and military sites, is not a coincidence. The CCP is blatantly attempting to base espionage efforts, and potentially worse, right in our backyard, and it’s up to states to act accordingly."
A national trend
Texas joins 25 states restricting foreign land purchases, reflecting bipartisan concern over adversaries infiltrating supply chains, ports, and military-adjacent land. Critics argue the law’s vague enforcement mechanisms, such as undisclosed investigation triggers, could lead to abuse.
As lawsuits loom, Texas’ bold stance sets a precedent of prioritizing security over perceived inclusivity. Abbott’s signing solidifies the state as a firewall against globalist encroachment, proving liberty demands vigilance. For now, SB 17 stands as a testament to Texas’ defiance: no foreign adversary will claim (anymore of) its soil unchallenged.
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