【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】

In May 2023, the state of Florida in the United States passed "SB 264" bill, banning Chinese citizens from purchasing land and real estate in the state under the pretext of "national security." Several Chinese citizens living in Florida jointly sued the state government, claiming that this move constitutes "housing discrimination."

Two years later, on November 4, an American appellate court ruled 2 to 1 to dismiss the appeal.

Reuters reported that this decision may clear the way for Florida to prohibit Chinese citizens from buying property and land. The South China Morning Post mentioned that this outcome could encourage other states to adopt similar laws. Critics are concerned that the "Foreign Land Law" restricting Chinese and Japanese citizens from owning property in the early 20th century might resurge after being out of favor for a century.

According to reports, more than 30 states in the United States have already introduced or passed bills restricting foreign ownership of property.

In April 2023, dozens of Chinese-American protesters demonstrated against Florida's ban, US media

The report stated that the court said the four Chinese citizens represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lacked legal grounds to sue the state of Florida over the "SB 264" bill, as the law only applies to individuals who are "resident" in China, and these four have been living in Florida for many years.

The court also dismissed claims that the law "requires Chinese citizens to register their properties with the state government, which conflicts with federal foreign investment laws," and that the law "was motivated by racism against Chinese and Asian people."

Circuit Judge Robert Lark said, "National, individual, land, and food safety concerns prompted the enactment of this law."

"The ruling today is disappointing," said Ashley Golski, an ACLU lawyer, in a statement. "Nevertheless, we will continue to fight against such laws that clearly target the nationality and race of immigrants." The statement emphasized, "Everyone, regardless of where they come from, should be able to freely buy houses and build lives in Florida without worrying about discrimination."

In May 2023, Florida passed the "SB 264" bill, banning Chinese citizens from purchasing land and real estate in the state under the pretext of "national security," while also limiting the purchase of property by citizens of Cuba, Iran, and Russia. According to reports, violations involving Chinese buyers will face particularly severe penalties, with buyers facing up to five years in prison and sellers up to one year in prison.

Subsequently, several Chinese citizens living in Florida jointly sued the state government, claiming that this move constituted "housing discrimination."

After losing at the district court, the plaintiffs filed an appeal in late August. In addition, another panel of the 11th Circuit Court approved temporary legal relief for two of the plaintiffs, preventing Florida from enforcing the law against them.

The report said that the two parties in the United States hold different views on the "SB 264" bill. Judge Barbara Lagoa, appointed by Republican President Trump, expressed support for the ruling. However, Judge Charles Wilson, appointed by Democratic President Clinton, dissented, stating that foreign investment regulation is a "typical federal domain" and that Florida's law should be replaced by federal law.

On the day of the 4th, Asian American groups condemned the appellate court's ruling. Clay Zhu, chairman of the Chinese-American Legal Defense Alliance, said, "The SB 264 bill clearly discriminates against Chinese immigrants and has a broader chilling effect on Asian Americans in Florida who just want to buy a house."

"The SB 264 bill is not only unconstitutional but also reminds people of the discredited foreign land laws," said Bethany Li, executive director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. "These laws tell generations of Asian Americans that this country is not their home... But our communities have survived, and we still exist. We will continue to fight for the dignity and sense of belonging we deserve."

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7569026858159768074/

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