In recent news, Jin Bian, a 31-year-old software engineer living in Tampa, Florida, has been facing legal complications after attempting to purchase a home closer to his office following his employer’s return-to-office policy. Bian, a recipient of an H-1B visa, which permits foreign workers to be employed by US companies, discovered that a law signed by Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, prevented Chinese citizens without US green cards from buying property in the state. The law, known as Florida Senate Bill 264, came into effect on July 1, 2023, and carries felony charges and possible prison time for those who violate it.
Echo King, president of the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance, expressed concerns on behalf of Chinese residents in the state, stating that the law has generated feelings of uneasiness and rejection among the community. Various individuals, including Susan Li, a 47-year-old small business owner, have put their property searches on hold due to uncertainties regarding the law’s implications, even though Li is a legal US resident.
The law, which prohibits Chinese nationals without permanent US residency from purchasing any property in the state, is being challenged in court by attorney Clay Zhu, who argues that it constitutes discrimination based on race, national origin, and visa status. Despite Governor DeSantis’ justification of the law as a measure against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), critics point out the vagueness in its definition of terms such as “domiciled.”
The law’s enactment comes amidst escalating tensions between the US and China, fueled by concerns over Chinese government surveillance activities in the US. Chinese-owned apps like TikTok have also faced scrutiny over alleged spying allegations. Moreover, fears of national security threats posed by Chinese land acquisitions in the US have prompted lawmakers in various states to consider similar legislation.
As a result of the law, mortgage lenders like Teresa Jin have become cautious in their dealings with clients who do not hold US citizenship or permanent residency status. The confusion surrounding the law has created uncertainty in the real estate market and has led some Chinese nationals to consider relocating to states without similar restrictions. Despite hoping for a reversal of the law, individuals like Jin Bian are contemplating moving to states like California if the situation does not improve in the near future.