Florida can ban Chinese citizens from buying property, US appeal court rules
Court rejects claims the law was motivated by racism against Chinese people and Asians; ruling may encourage other US states to adopt it
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.
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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The 11th Circuit said three of the 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.