A US federal appeal court has paved the way for Florida to enforce a law restricting real estate purchases by Chinese citizens, rejecting arguments that it conflicts with federal law or is discriminatory.
The 2-1 ruling by the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta on Tuesday could embolden other states to enact similar laws, which critics say mirror early 20th century “alien land” laws that restricted property ownership by Chinese and Japanese nationals.
Six states are currently considering 22 bills that would restrict foreign property ownership in some way as of the end of last month, according to the Committee of 100, a non-profit group of prominent Chinese-Americans. Over two dozen states, including Texas, already have such laws in place.
The plaintiffs had asked the court to block enforcement of the 2023 Florida law while their challenge moved through the District Court, but Tuesday’s decision allows the law to remain in effect as the case proceeds.
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Facing Maga anger, Trump defends move to admit thousands of Chinese students
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The 11th Circuit said four Chinese citizens represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) did not have legal standing to sue because the SB 264 law only applies to people “domiciled” in China.