In a controversial move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that prohibits Chinese nationals without US green cards from buying property in the state. This law, known as Senate Bill 264, has sparked uneasiness and confusion among ethnic Chinese residents in Florida.
Under SB 264, citizens of certain countries including Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria are also restricted from purchasing property within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure facilities in Florida. However, Chinese citizens without green cards face a complete ban on property ownership in the state.
The law, aimed at countering the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has faced criticism for being discriminatory based on race, national origin, and visa status. Critics argue that the law unfairly targets Chinese nationals and fails to distinguish between the CCP and individual citizens.
Legal challenges have been mounted against the law, with attorney Clay Zhu partnering with the American Civil Liberties Union to contest its constitutionality. Zhu likened the law to past discriminatory legislation such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and emphasized the need to differentiate between political entities and individuals.
Residents like Jin Bian, a software engineer, and Susan Li, a small business owner, have expressed concerns over the law's impact on their property rights. Despite holding legal residency status in the US, they have halted their property search due to fears of legal repercussions.
The law comes amidst heightened tensions between the US and China, fueled by concerns over espionage and national security threats. Recent incidents, such as the discovery of a Chinese surveillance balloon over Montana and allegations of Chinese-owned apps being used for spying, have further strained relations between the two countries.
As the legal battle over SB 264 unfolds in Florida, similar measures are being considered in other states. The outcome of these challenges will have significant implications for the rights of foreign nationals residing in the US and the broader geopolitical landscape.
