Chinese in Texas denounce "racism" over project that would prevent them from buying property

A proposal on the verge of becoming law in Texas seeks to prevent Chinese citizens from purchasing property in this southern US state. Its proponents argue it's a matter of national security; Asian communities believe it's simply "racism."

This initiative failed in 2023 and was revived and reinforced by its author, Republican state senator Lois Kolkhorst, in 2025 amid President Donald Trump's anti-immigration crackdown and his tariff war with China.

SB 17 includes countries it considers a threat , such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and gives Texas Governor and Trump friend Greg Abbott the power to add other nations. "This legislation will ensure that hostile nations do not control Texas' most valuable assets," Kolkhorst explained.

Hundreds of members of Texas' Asian American community protested Saturday outside the Capitol and the governor's official residence in Austin, carrying signs such as "Equality for all, hate for none" and "Housing is a human right."

For Texas House Member, Democrat Gene Wu, "This bill says that if you're an immigrant from one of these countries, you can't buy land, and that applies to all visa holders, and these people are here legally."

Wu explains that while the rule exempts green card holders (permanent residents) who are already naturalized, it hinders the path for those who want to become naturalized residents, because "you can't become a permanent resident if you don't have a way to prove that you can live here permanently, that you can buy a house."

Work or study visas are often the first step for those seeking permanent residence in the United States.

Protect Texas

The impediment also applies to the governments of those countries , with the understanding that the properties could be used for espionage or to interfere with the Texas production chain.

"It's the strongest, most comprehensive, and most sweeping law in the country protecting us from hostile foreign ownership of our lands," said Republican state Rep. Cole Hefner, who championed the bill Thursday in the House of Representatives.

This initiative has already been approved by the Senate and the Texas House, both Republican-majority legislatures. It now requires the Senate to authorize the adjustments made during the debate before Abbott can then sign it into law.

"Racist"

"If a law is passed that targets certain people solely because of their background, that's racist," Alice Yi, co-founder of Asian Texans for Justice, told AFP.

"We are 2 million Asian Americans in Texas , but we've been in Texas for over 100 years. We built Texas, we built America. This is our country too," added Yi, who is originally from China but holds US citizenship.

"What does buying a house or running a noodle restaurant have to do with national security? They just don't like Asians to be successful. The goal is to keep them from coming to the United States," Wu said.

For the representative, "People don't distinguish between Asians; they only see their faces. The law tells the public that there's something wrong with these people (…) This will mean widespread discrimination against all Asians."

A new home

In 2021, retired Chinese military officer Sun Guangxin planned to build a solar and wind farm in Texas and enter the energy business, but his initiative was blocked.

A law passed that year prevented businesses linked to the Chinese government from accessing the power grid and strategic assets .

Eileen Huang of the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition clarifies that "not everyone is a spy" or associated with a government.

"Many people flee their home countries. Why? Because they don't agree. They came here, some as refugees. These people stay because they believe Texas is their new home," he said.