Texas bans land sales to foreign adversaries, sparking debate

In the United States, Texas has enacted a law that will significantly restrict property purchases by foreign entities. On June 23, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17, which is set to take effect on September 1. This legislation targets individuals and companies with ties to countries deemed as adversaries, specifically China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The Department of Agriculture has noted that Texas has the largest holdings from Chinese entities, totaling over 123,000 acres, highlighting the state's unique position in terms of foreign land ownership. The law aims to ban foreign adversaries from acquiring various forms of property, including residential areas, agricultural lands, mineral rights, and water rights. Critics of the legislation emphasize concerns regarding racial profiling and the broad nature of the ban, arguing it could unfairly target innocent foreign nationals, leading to discriminatory practices. These critiques have emerged particularly from advocacy groups such as Asian Americans Advancing Justice, which have expressed outrage at potential risks of profiling against individuals without ties to the Communist Party. Texas is now part of a growing trend in the U.S., as more states move to enact similar laws that restrict foreign ownership of land amid rising national security concerns. As of the publication date, 25 states have introduced legislation with various restrictions against foreign entities buying property. This legislative effort ties into broader perspectives on national security and foreign influence, as lawmakers cite attempts by countries like China to purchase land near U.S. military bases as a national risk. While proponents of the law, including Gov. Abbott, argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard U.S. interests, opponents counter with concerns about the potential for arbitrary enforcement and racial profiling. The law does include exemptions for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. With the Texas attorney general now empowered to investigate and enforce this law, violations will be considered a felony, adding a layer of legal implications for non-compliance that could shape property ownership landscapes in the future. As this trend develops, the implications for agriculture, residential markets, and economic growth in Texas may unfold, indicating a pivotal moment for policy directed against foreign entities.