Latest news with #NateSchatzline
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas House passes bill barring Chinese citizens from owning property
[Source] The Texas House of Representatives voted 86-59 on Friday to advance legislation that would bar citizens from China and other nations from purchasing property in the state. Catch up Senate Bill 17, sponsored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), specifically targets citizens from countries designated as national security threats — China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — in the U.S. Director of National Intelligence's annual assessment. The House-amended version exempts visa holders, lawful permanent residents and dual citizens from the ban, significantly narrowing the original Senate version. An amendment introduced by Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) specifically grants Gov. Greg Abbott unilateral power to add other countries and 'transnational criminal organizations' to the restricted list without legislative oversight. Trending on NextShark: Security or xenophobia? Supporters frame the bill as essential for national security. 'We must not allow oppressive regimes who actively seek to do us harm to seize control and dictate their terms over our economy, supply chain and our daily lives,' said Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant), the bill's House sponsor. Critics, on the other hand, call the measure xenophobic and harmful to immigrants. 'This is a loud and clear message that Asians don't belong in this country,' said Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston), the chamber's top Democrat and lone Chinese American legislator. 'When the attacks come, when the hate crimes start, it will be against all Asians — anyone with an Asian face.' Trending on NextShark: Hundreds of protesters gathered in Austin on Sunday, carrying signs that read 'stop the hate' and 'housing is a human right.' Organizer Alice Yi, co-founder of Asian Texans for Justice, called the bill 'racist' and stressed, 'This is our country too.' The big picture The legislation reflects mounting political tensions between Washington and Beijing following President Donald Trump's return to office, with similar bans targeting Chinese property ownership emerging in multiple states. Around 5.7 million acres in Texas are foreign-owned, with China reportedly accounting for 3.6% of that land. Leaders of multiple Chinese American organizations are now considering challenging the bill in federal court should it become law, similar to how a comparable Florida law was temporarily halted by a federal appeals court. Trending on NextShark: The bill now returns to the Senate, which must approve House amendments before it goes to Abbott's desk. If signed, the law would take effect on Sept. 1 and apply to property purchases after that date. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas House passes bill barring Chinese citizens from owning property
[Source] The Texas House of Representatives voted 86-59 on Friday to advance legislation that would bar citizens from China and other nations from purchasing property in the state. Catch up Senate Bill 17, sponsored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), specifically targets citizens from countries designated as national security threats — China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — in the U.S. Director of National Intelligence's annual assessment. The House-amended version exempts visa holders, lawful permanent residents and dual citizens from the ban, significantly narrowing the original Senate version. An amendment introduced by Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) specifically grants Gov. Greg Abbott unilateral power to add other countries and 'transnational criminal organizations' to the restricted list without legislative oversight. Trending on NextShark: Security or xenophobia? Supporters frame the bill as essential for national security. 'We must not allow oppressive regimes who actively seek to do us harm to seize control and dictate their terms over our economy, supply chain and our daily lives,' said Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant), the bill's House sponsor. Critics, on the other hand, call the measure xenophobic and harmful to immigrants. 'This is a loud and clear message that Asians don't belong in this country,' said Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston), the chamber's top Democrat and lone Chinese American legislator. 'When the attacks come, when the hate crimes start, it will be against all Asians — anyone with an Asian face.' Trending on NextShark: Hundreds of protesters gathered in Austin on Sunday, carrying signs that read 'stop the hate' and 'housing is a human right.' Organizer Alice Yi, co-founder of Asian Texans for Justice, called the bill 'racist' and stressed, 'This is our country too.' The big picture The legislation reflects mounting political tensions between Washington and Beijing following President Donald Trump's return to office, with similar bans targeting Chinese property ownership emerging in multiple states. Around 5.7 million acres in Texas are foreign-owned, with China reportedly accounting for 3.6% of that land. Leaders of multiple Chinese American organizations are now considering challenging the bill in federal court should it become law, similar to how a comparable Florida law was temporarily halted by a federal appeals court. Trending on NextShark: The bill now returns to the Senate, which must approve House amendments before it goes to Abbott's desk. If signed, the law would take effect on Sept. 1 and apply to property purchases after that date. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Texas Could Ban Certain Foreigners From Buying Land. Here's Who
The Texas House of Representatives has approved an amendment to a bill that would allow Governor Greg Abbott to block people from certain countries and affiliated organizations from purchasing land in the state. Newsweek contacted Governor Abbott and state Rep. Nate Schatzline, who proposed the amendment, for comment on Friday via email and online inquiry form outside of regular office hours. Proponents of Senate Bill 17 argue that it addresses national security risks by limiting land purchases from foreign actors deemed potential threats to the United States. However, critics warn that the measure could foster discrimination against immigrants. It follows a wave of concern over Chinese land purchases in the United States, some of which have taken place close to military bases. Senate Bill 17, originally introduced by Republican state Senator Lois Kolkhorst, specifically targets individuals and entities residing in countries deemed security threats by the U.S. national director of intelligence. Currently there are only four countries on that list; China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. However, an amendment passed by the Texas House on Thursday in 1 85-60 vote would allow the governor to add more countries to the list. Governor Abbott has yet to comment on the nationals of which countries, if any, he thinks the ban should be extended to. Under SB 17, the ban would apply to future land purchases by individuals, businesses and entities connected to specified countries. The legislation would not apply to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The bill restricts land purchases based on a person's country of residence rather than their national origin, a distinction meant to comply with federal civil rights laws. The measure requires an additional House vote before it returns to the Senate for further consideration, the Texas Tribune reported. Republican state Representative Nate Schatzline, who proposed the amendment to give the governor authority to add other countries to the restricted list, said, "Our governor can act swiftly rather than waiting for a year for that to be added into the [director of national intelligence's] designated country list." Republican state Representative Cole Hefner, who carried the bill in the House, said the legislation was about "securing Texas land and natural resources and making sure that this precious resource does not fall prey to adversarial nations and oppressive regimes that wish to do us harm." Opponents, including state Representative Gene Wu, who chairs House Democratic Caucus, expressed concern over the governor's expanded powers. "This gives the governor unfettered power to add whatever country he wants to in this bill," Wu said, warning that the move could lead to racial profiling and discrimination against Asian Texans. "All these will also bring more anti-Asian hate crime, and reinforce existing social biases, particularly against the Chinese community," Eileen Huang, who works with the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, told ABC13. According to the Texas Tribune, Democratic state Representative Gene Wu said: "It's kind of dangerous to say one person can decide whatever country he or she wants to add to this without any oversight, without any controls—this is the definition of overreach." Eileen Huang, who works with the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, told ABC13: "Texas has a long history of pride of a business-friendly environment that encouraged competition. Now, the SB17 has a negative impact on the Texas economy and competitiveness." Republican state Senator Lois Kolkhorst said in a March news release: "This is a matter of national security. Texas must act now to protect our land, food sources, water, and natural resources." SB 17, which is still under consideration, may see further amendments. If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1 and apply only to transactions occurring after that date. The legislation is likely to face legal challenges from advocacy groups arguing that it could result in unconstitutional discrimination based on national origin. Related Articles Our Elders' Stories Bridge the Past to the Present. This Mother's Day, Let's Honor Them by Listening | OpinionConservative Ex-Bishop Strickland, Who Francis Removed, Reacts to New PopeFamily With 2 US Citizen Children Deported by ICE After Traffic StopTexas Bill Would Let Election Judges Carry Guns at Polling Sites 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Associated Press
09-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Texas House advances bill to prohibit land sales to people and entities from certain countries
The Texas House agreed late Thursday to let the governor determine the countries whose residents, governments and other entities could be banned from buying property here. Members granted the governor such power when they amended Senate Bill 17, whose real estate sales restrictions were limited to countries that the U.S. national director of intelligence has designated as national security threats. Currently, that list includes only China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. After giving the governor the ability to expand the list of restricted countries, the House then gave SB 17 preliminary approval in a 85-60 vote. The bill now heads back to the Senate. State Rep. Nate Schatzline, the Republican from Fort Worth who introduced the amendment, said the goal was to make sure that any threats to Texas could quickly be addressed. 'Our governor can act swiftly rather than waiting for a year for that to be added into the (director of national intelligence's) designated country list,' he said. That amendment drew rebuke from Democrats. 'This gives the governor unfettered power to add whatever county he wants to in this bill,' said state Rep. Gene Wu, chair of House Democratic Caucus. 'It's kind of dangerous to say one person can decide whatever country he or she wants to add to this without any oversight, without any controls — this is the definition of overreach.' Schatzline's amendment also allows the governor to add 'transnational criminal organizations' to the list of entities barred from buying Texas property. Schatzline pointed to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as an example. State Rep. Cole Hefner, the Mt. Pleasant Republican carrying SB 17 in the lower chamber, described the bill during Thursday's hourslong debate as 'securing Texas land and natural resources and making sure that this precious resource does not fall prey to adversarial nations and oppressive regimes that wish to do us harm.' The bill's advancement came over opposition from Democrats who are concerned that it could be used to potentially discriminate against Asian Americans. The bill will need one more House vote before it goes back to the Senate. The upper chamber previously approved a version of the bill, but House members amended several key portions of it Thursday. The Senate's previous version would have exempted anyone or any entity that leased the property to someone else for under 100 years. The House limited that exemption to property leased to someone else for one year or less. Rep. Mitch Little called the 100-year lease exemption 'a loophole that you could drive a Mack truck through.' The House also previously amended the bill to exempt lawful permanent residents. But Democrats failed to make changes to the bill several times Thursday. Their failed amendments included provisions that would have exempted visa holders such as medical students and researchers, performers and athletes. They also raised concerns that the law could hurt the Texas economy. SB 17 is Brenham Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst 's second attempt at limiting who can buy property in Texas. Similar legislation she authored in 2023 died in the House. In committee hearings this year, she described the legislation as protecting Texas' assets from 'hostile nations.' 'This is a matter of national security,' she said in March. 'Texas must act now to protect our land, food sources, water, and natural resources.' A batch of new, more conservative lawmakers were elected to the House last year, giving new life to legislation that struggled in previous sessions. Chief among those measures are the creation of school vouchers. If passed, the bill goes into effect Sept. 1 and would only apply to purchases or acquisitions after that date. It would require the attorney general's office to create a process to investigate possible violations and refer the matter to a district court. If the court finds a violation, it would be authorized to order the purchaser to divest from the property either by selling it or terminating the lease, according to the House Research Organization's most recent analysis of the bill. The court also would be required to refer the matter for potential criminal offenses. The amount of Texas property owned by entities from outside the U.S. is not tracked in detail, aside from agricultural land. But Joshua Blackman, a constitutional law professor at South Texas College of Law, said it is likely a very small fraction. In the U.S. overall, Chinese investors own less than 1% of total foreign-held acreage, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Investors from Russia, Iran and North Korea collectively own less than 3,000 acres. But to Abraham George, chair of the Texas Republican Party, 1% is too much — which is why the bill was a party priority. Rep. Angie Chen Button, who was only the second Asian American woman to serve in the Legislature and whose parents fled from China, also spoke in support of the bill Thursday night, saying the bill aims to 'protect our freedom, liberty and national security.' She introduced a similar bill last session. Some Asian Texans are concerned the bill would create animosity and 'state-sanctioned racial profiling,' said Lily Trieu, executive director of the civic engagement group Asian Texans for Justice. The bill doesn't prohibit purchases of land based on national origin, which would violate federal civil rights laws. Instead, it prohibits people based on their permanent residence. Wu, who immigrated to the United States from China as a child, said the bill could impact not just Chinese people in Texas, but members of all Asian communities in the state. 'Nobody knows the difference between Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean, right? Nobody knows what your immigration status is,' he said in an interview. 'When they discriminate against you … when they look for people to assault, they don't really care what you are. They care that you have Asian face.' Trieu said the group's No. 1 concern is that individuals shouldn't be conflated with governments. 'Just like how no one here would want to travel to another country and be held individually accountable for what Governor Abbott does or what President Donald Trump does,' she said. 'These individuals should not be held accountable for what the government of their national origin does, or what their ideology is, or what, you know, the government does as an entity.' Trieu said the group was formed to engage Asian Texans in civic participation such as voting, but this bill galvanized people into getting involved in legislation. Wu expects the bill is just the start of that. And even with its passage, he sees it as a loss for the Republican Party because it could push Asian American voters to shift to the Democratic Party in the 2026 midterm elections. 'I think the Republicans are heading into gale force winds in 2026 if they want to alienate and make enemies of an entire community who for a large part has stayed out of politics,' he said in an interview. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Texas Could Ban Certain Foreigners From Buying Land. Here's Who
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Texas House of Representatives has approved an amendment to a bill that would allow Governor Greg Abbott to block people from certain countries and affiliated organizations from purchasing land in the state. Newsweek contacted Governor Abbott and state Rep. Nate Schatzline, who proposed the amendment, for comment on Friday via email and online inquiry form outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters Proponents of Senate Bill 17 argue that it addresses national security risks by limiting land purchases from foreign actors deemed potential threats to the United States. However, critics warn that the measure could foster discrimination against immigrants. It follows a wave of concern over Chinese land purchases in the United States, some of which have taken place close to military bases. What To Know Senate Bill 17, originally introduced by Republican state Senator Lois Kolkhorst, specifically targets individuals and entities residing in countries deemed security threats by the U.S. national director of intelligence. Currently there are only four countries on that list; China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. However, an amendment passed by the Texas House on Thursday in 1 85-60 vote would allow the governor to add more countries to the list. Governor Abbott has yet to comment on the nationals of which countries, if any, he thinks the ban should be extended to. Stock photograph showing the Texas state flag in the wind on Day 8 of the U.S. Mens Clay Court Championships at River Oaks Country Club on April 5, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Stock photograph showing the Texas state flag in the wind on Day 8 of the U.S. Mens Clay Court Championships at River Oaks Country Club on April 5, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Aaron M. Sprecher/GETTY Under SB 17, the ban would apply to future land purchases by individuals, businesses and entities connected to specified countries. The legislation would not apply to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The bill restricts land purchases based on a person's country of residence rather than their national origin, a distinction meant to comply with federal civil rights laws. The measure requires an additional House vote before it returns to the Senate for further consideration, the Texas Tribune reported. Republican state Representative Nate Schatzline, who proposed the amendment to give the governor authority to add other countries to the restricted list, said, "Our governor can act swiftly rather than waiting for a year for that to be added into the [director of national intelligence's] designated country list." Republican state Representative Cole Hefner, who carried the bill in the House, said the legislation was about "securing Texas land and natural resources and making sure that this precious resource does not fall prey to adversarial nations and oppressive regimes that wish to do us harm." Opponents, including state Representative Gene Wu, who chairs House Democratic Caucus, expressed concern over the governor's expanded powers. "This gives the governor unfettered power to add whatever country he wants to in this bill," Wu said, warning that the move could lead to racial profiling and discrimination against Asian Texans. "All these will also bring more anti-Asian hate crime, and reinforce existing social biases, particularly against the Chinese community," Eileen Huang, who works with the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, told ABC13. What People Are Saying According to the Texas Tribune, Democratic state Representative Gene Wu said: "It's kind of dangerous to say one person can decide whatever country he or she wants to add to this without any oversight, without any controls—this is the definition of overreach." Eileen Huang, who works with the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, told ABC13: "Texas has a long history of pride of a business-friendly environment that encouraged competition. Now, the SB17 has a negative impact on the Texas economy and competitiveness." Republican state Senator Lois Kolkhorst said in a March news release: "This is a matter of national security. Texas must act now to protect our land, food sources, water, and natural resources." What Happens Next SB 17, which is still under consideration, may see further amendments. If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1 and apply only to transactions occurring after that date. The legislation is likely to face legal challenges from advocacy groups arguing that it could result in unconstitutional discrimination based on national origin.
