Changing Politics: How Land Laws Impact Chinese Americans

Diana Xue used to follow her husband's political views and vote Republican. But a new law in Florida has changed her mind. This law, passed by the state's Republican-led government, bans Chinese nationals without permanent residency from buying land. Xue, who came from China for college and became a U. S. citizen, felt this was unfair. She thinks the law is discriminatory and has decided to switch her political support. At least 24 states have similar laws. These are often called "alien land laws" and target Chinese nationals and companies. The laws are based on fears of intelligence and economic threats from China. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis called China the "greatest geopolitical threat" when he signed the law. Some Chinese Americans with U. S. citizenship feel alienated by these laws. They worry about being treated poorly because of their ethnicity. The tension between the U. S. and China increased in February 2023 after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was found over Montana. Soon after, states like Missouri and Texas proposed similar land ownership measures. These laws restrict land purchases near military installations or critical infrastructure. Some laws make exceptions for non-tourist visa holders and asylum seekers. The laws have caused confusion for real estate agents and brokers. They're not sure how to handle the new rules.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington expressed concern that these laws counter market economy principles and international trade rules. They also worry that these laws fuel hostility towards the Asian and Chinese community in the U. S. The House of Representatives approved a bill in September that would flag farmland sales involving citizens from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. However, it's unlikely to pass the Senate. China owns less than 1% of total foreign-owned farmland in the U. S. After Florida's law was passed, four Chinese nationals sued. The American Civil Liberties Union is now trying to block the law. The law has also mobilized the Chinese diaspora in Florida. Some formed the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance. Chris Suh, a professor of Asian American history, says these laws echo a pattern from World War II when Japanese people were seen as threats. He thinks these laws hurt all Americans in the long run. Xue worries about racism and being accused of being a spy. She thinks people will judge her based on her appearance and last name, not her citizenship.

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