Texas lawmakers have advanced a controversial bill that, if approved by the state Senate, would ban citizens from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing real estate in the state. The bill, which was already approved by the Senate, now includes provisions that grant the governor the authority to add other countries to the ban list without legislative approval.
The bill, which aims to prevent countries considered hostile from gaining control over Texas’ real estate, has sparked significant debate. Proponents argue that it is necessary to protect the state’s economy, supply chain, and security. “We must not allow oppressive regimes who actively seek to do us harm to seize control,” said Rep. Cole Hefner, a Republican sponsor of the bill.
However, critics, including many Democratic representatives, have condemned the legislation as racist. Rep. Gene Wu, a Democrat who immigrated from China as a child, expressed concern that the bill could lead to attacks on Asian Americans. “When the hate crimes start, it will be against Asians – everybody with [an] Asian face,” he said.
The bill makes exceptions for non-citizens from these countries who legally entered the U.S., but it still faces significant opposition. If the bill passes another vote in the House and returns to the Senate for approval, it will then move on to the governor.
Texas’ push to limit property ownership follows a similar bill in Florida, which passed in 2023 but is currently on hold following a federal appeals court ruling.
