Current:Home > FinanceLand purchases by Chinese ‘agents’ would be limited under Georgia bill; Democrats say it’s racist -Visionary Wealth Guides
Land purchases by Chinese ‘agents’ would be limited under Georgia bill; Democrats say it’s racist
FinLogic FinLogic Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-06 15:30:35
ATLANTA (AP) — A bill that would ban any “agent” of China from buying farmland or land near military installations in Georgia passed the state House on Thursday over the objections of Democrats who said it would lead to discrimination against Asian Americans and not promote national security.
The Georgia House of Representatives voted 97 to 67 in favor of SB420 — a bill that echoes measures already passed in numerous other Republican-leaning states — after a lengthy debate that included both testy remarks and personal stories.
Rep. Michelle Au, a Democrat who is Chinese American, said she has been accused during her time in the General Assembly of being an “agent of the Chinese Community Party, a spy, a plant, un-American and a foreign asset.”
SB420 aims to weaponize that sort of racism, she said.
“This bill, whether explicitly or not, paints a picture that residents from certain parts of this world cannot be trusted,” she said. “They are essentially suspect and potentially traitorous simply by dint of their nationality.”
Republicans shot back that the bill is not racist or discriminatory but aimed at protecting the nation’s food supply and military from foreign adversaries.
“Just to say everything is racist, that is falling on deaf ears,” said Rep. James Burchett, a Republican from Waycross, Georgia. “I’m tired of it. I have been called that since I have been born, I feel like. And I am not that.”
The bill would ban agents of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia who are not U.S. citizens or legal residents from owning farmland in Georgia or any land in the state that is within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of a military installation unless they have spent at least 10 months of the previous year living in Georgia.
Though the measure targets other countries, much of the discussion about it among lawmakers at the state Capitol has focused on China.
To be an agent, the person has to be acting on behalf of the country. The ban extends to businesses in those countries as well, but does not apply to residential property.
An earlier version of the bill that passed the state Senate would have expanded the ban to all foreign nationals from China and the four other countries who are not legal U.S. residents, not just agents of those countries. It also would have extended the ban on land sales around military installations to 25 miles (40 kilometers).
The version approved by the state House on Thursday now goes back to the state Senate for consideration.
States including Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas passed similar bans last year, and Democrats have also raised concerns about Chinese ownership of farmland in the U.S. and supported such measures.
The laws gained traction after what authorities suspected to be a Chinese spy balloon flew over the U.S. and entities connected to China purchased land near military bases in North Dakota and Texas.
Florida’s ban prompted a lawsuit by a group of Chinese citizens living and working in the state. A federal appeals court ruled last month that the law could not be enforced against two of the plaintiffs, saying they were likely to succeed on their argument that Florida’s restriction is preempted by federal law.
House Democrats cited that litigation on Thursday to argue that Georgia’s bill would also get tied up in court and cost state taxpayers money to defend.
State Rep. Sam Park, a Democrat from Lawrenceville, Georgia, likened the bill to historical attempts by lawmakers in the U.S. to limit immigration from China and land ownership by Asian Americans.
He also questioned exemptions to the ban and raised concerns that real estate agents — unable to distinguish someone who is Chinese from other Asian ethnicities or an agent of China from an ordinary Chinese resident — would be reluctant to work with Asian immigrants.
“Passage of this bill will cast a shadow of suspicion on any Asian or Hispanic-looking person who may want to purchase agricultural land or land near a military installation even if that person may be serving in our armed forces,” he said. “That is the bill y’all are trying to push through.”
Republicans said the aim was to protect national security.
“This bill is simply about Americans being able to feed Americans,” said state Rep. Chas Cannon, a Republican from Moultrie, Georgia. “End of story. Because if we can’t feed ourselves, we can’t defend ourselves, in my opinion.”
veryGood! (288)
Related
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Does driving or grocery shopping make you anxious? Your eyes may be the problem.
- What women want (to invest in)
- Militants attack police office and army post in northwest Pakistan. 2 policemen, 3 attackers killed
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Four days after losing 3-0, Raiders set franchise scoring record, beat Chargers 63-21
- 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after migrant boat crossing Channel deflates trying to reach Britain
- How the US keeps funding Ukraine’s military — even as it says it’s out of money
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Elon Musk plans to launch a university in Austin, Texas
Ranking
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- 'Thanks for the memories': E3 convention canceled after 25 years of gaming
- Two men charged after 'killing spree' of 3,600 birds, including bald eagles, prosecutors say
- Andre Braugher died of lung cancer, publicist says
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- New Mexico extends ban on oil and gas leasing around Chaco park, an area sacred to Native Americans
- A US pine species thrives when burnt. Southerners are rekindling a ‘fire culture’ to boost its range
- Officer shoots, kills 2 dogs attacking man at Ohio golf course, man also shot: Police
Recommendation
Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
62% of Americans say this zero-interest payment plan should be against the law
Laura Dern Weighs In on Big Little Lies Season 3 After Nicole Kidman’s Announcement
Starbucks debuts limited-time Merry Mint White Mocha for the holidays
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Kentucky governor renews pitch for higher teacher pay, universal pre-K as legislative session looms
'Wonka' is a candy-coated prequel
Vodka, doughnuts and a side of fries: DoorDash releases our favorite orders of 2023