Diana Xue, a Chinese immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, has always been politically engaged and Republican-leaning. However, after Florida passed a law banning Chinese nationals without permanent U.S. residency from buying property or land, Xue felt discriminated against. This law prompted her to change her stance and become more active in flipping seats to support Democratic candidates. Similar laws have been enacted or proposed in at least two dozen states, with China being the main focus in discussions due to growing fears of intelligence and economic threats from the country.
The tensions between the U.S. and China escalated in 2023 after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was spotted over Montana. In response, GOP-leaning states like Missouri, Texas, and Tennessee introduced land ownership measures targeting Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries. These laws restrict businesses or individuals from buying land near military installations or critical infrastructure. The National Agricultural Law Center estimates that 24 states have restrictions on foreigners and foreign entities owning private farmland, which emerged after high-profile land purchases by Chinese investors near U.S. military bases.
The laws banning Chinese nationals from owning land have caused concerns among Chinese immigrants, some of whom have American citizenship and feel alienated by these regulations. Many fear being discriminated against based on their ethnicity, leading them to lean towards the Democratic party. Real estate agents and brokers are also facing challenges navigating these laws, with some feeling confused about the restrictions on land sales to Chinese citizens. A federal bill has been approved by the House to flag farmland sales involving citizens from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran as “reportable,” but its approval by the Senate is uncertain.
After Florida passed its land law in May 2023, four Chinese nationals filed a lawsuit, sparking mobilization within the Chinese diaspora in the state. Groups like the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance were formed to push back against what members see as discriminatory laws. Anti-Chinese sentiment and policies in the U.S. have a long history, dating back to the 19th century with laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Critics argue that these laws hurt the economy and target specific ethnic groups, similar to the alien land laws targeting Chinese nationals today. Chinese immigrants who have achieved citizenship are concerned about facing racism or being perceived as spies, leading to increased activism and awareness among Chinese American communities.
Overall, the laws restricting Chinese nationals from owning land in the U.S. have sparked political and social repercussions, with Chinese immigrants feeling marginalized and discriminated against. The policies reflect broader tensions between the U.S. and China, with a focus on national security and economic concerns. Chinese American advocacy groups are pushing back against these laws, highlighting the historical context of anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S. With the 2024 Election on the horizon, these issues are likely to play a role in shaping the political landscape and influencing the decisions of Chinese American voters like Diana Xue.
