Florida sues to prevent Chinese citizens from owning homes and land

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the law into law in early May – PHOTO: REUTERS

Four Chinese citizens filed a lawsuit against Florida, in the United States, on Monday (22), to overturn a new law that would prevent citizens of China and several other countries from owning homes and land in the state.

The group, which is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (Aclu), said in the suit filed in Florida federal court in Tallahassee that the state law, which goes into effect July 1, is unconstitutional and violates federal law prohibiting housing discrimination.

The attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The law prohibits ownership of buildings or land in Florida by individuals “resident” in China who are not US citizens or green card holders.

In addition to immigrants from China, the law prohibits most citizens of Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Iran, Russia and North Korea from owning real estate within 10 miles of any military or “critical infrastructure facility” such as a power plant. airport or refinery.

The law contains a small exception that allows non-tourist visa holders from these countries to own a single property smaller than two acres within at least five miles of critical infrastructure.

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to announce his candidacy for the US presidency soon, signed the law into law in early May, saying it would help protect Americans from the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.