Texas Legislature Considers Controversial Bill Banning Property Ownership for Citizens of Hostile Nations
The Texas Legislature is currently debating a contentious bill that would prohibit citizens from nations labeled as hostile to the United States from owning property in Texas. Supporters argue that the measure is essential for state security, while opponents criticize it as racist and discriminatory. This issue has drawn significant partisan lines.
The bill specifically targets citizens from four countries identified in the annual threat assessment by the Director of National Intelligence: China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Notably, if a country is removed from this list, its citizens would no longer be affected by the ban, while any newly added countries would also fall under its restrictions.
Initial versions of the bill, supported by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, included exceptions for residential homesteads to “keep alive the American dream of home ownership.” However, the current iteration prohibits all property ownership for individuals from the specified countries—a significant shift from earlier discussions.
Enforcement of the property ban would fall to the Texas Attorney General’s office, which is empowered to investigate and take civil action against properties owned by individuals from these nations. If found in violation, a court would appoint a receiver to manage the forced sale and potential redistribution of funds from such properties.
Certain exceptions exist: legal permanent residents, dual citizens, and naturalized citizens would still be allowed to own property. However, other legal residents, including asylum seekers and non-citizens with temporary visas, would face restrictions.
As the bill awaits approval from the House, significant amendments could lead to further negotiations with the Senate. If passed, the law could take effect on September 1, heightening the stakes in property rights and national security debates in Texas.
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