Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a series of legislation on Monday that prohibit Chinese citizens from
purchasing land in the state.
In a recent news release, the Republican announced his signature of that law, as well as two others, to “counteract”
what he described as “the malign influence of the Chinese Communist party in the state of Florida”.
One bill prohibits Chinese nationals from purchasing land in Florida unless they are also US citizens or permanent
residents.
Chinese individuals with non-tourist visas, on the other hand, would be limited to purchasing fewer than two acres of
land located at least five miles away from any military installations, according to Tampa Bay television news outlet
WTVT.
The bill also prohibits foreign citizens of other nations from purchasing land under certain conditions. The bill
prohibits Russian, Iranian, Cuban, Syrian, North Korean, and Venezuelan individuals from purchasing land within
10 miles of military stations, although they can still buy property elsewhere in Florida, according to Insider.
According to Axios, some have expressed concern that the bill may promote discrimination against Chinese
homeowners in Florida while also damaging other immigrants.
More than 100 demonstrators spoke against the bill last month before it was signed, claiming that it would
discriminate against Florida’s Chinese community, USA Today said.
“My concern is that this bill will affect people like me who want to own a home,” said Florida college student Victoria
Li, tearing up. “We are worried, terrified. That is what we came here for. We have the American Dream. That’s why,
at my age, I’m still attending school.”
