Senate Bill 147 is sponsored by Republican State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst who defined that the objective is to guard Texas land from overseas authorities possession.
AUSTIN, Texas — Outrage is rising over a invoice filed within the Texas Legislature that will ban residents and entities from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from shopping for land in Texas.
Senate Bill 147 is sponsored by Republican State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst who explained that the objective is to guard Texas land from overseas authorities possession.
Austinite Victoria Li believes the invoice is a type of “xenophobia” and “racism.” Li has lived within the space for the final 45 years, however is an immigrant from Free China. Like many immigrants, she moved to America seeking a dream however stated that what’s being proposed is backtracking on that promise.
“It’s going to welcome you, embrace you and as long as you work hard, as long as you contribute back, you should be able to have a good life,” Li stated. “It sends a message that Texas does not welcome foreigners.”
Eric Tang is the director of the Center for Asian American Studies on the University of Texas at Austin and says this invoice is paying homage to a California State Bill from the 1900s often called the “Alien Land Laws.” That invoice prohibited non-citizens from shopping for and proudly owning property within the State of California.
“It was passed during a period in which Chinese immigrants in particular couldn’t get naturalized citizenship, so it effectively denied anyone of Chinese origin from owning property in the state of California. Bills like that are today by and large, unconstitutional,” Tang stated.
State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) joined U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu and different Asian group leaders to debate the invoice.
Haipei Shue, the president of the United Chinese Americans, defined that these payments do not simply exist in Texas. These payments are additionally being launched in Florida, New Jersey and Tennessee.
“We don’t have any other choice anymore but to organize and we have to fight like never before for our own safety, our livelihood and our equal treatment,” Shue stated.
For Li, the invoice advised is making her mirror on the land she lives on now along with her husband within the house she’s created, and the place she feels that she belongs.
“I love Austin, I love Texas, knowing that Texas does not or may not want me here just hurts my feelings,” Li stated.
Kolkhorst additionally defined this invoice would deal with a rise in land acquisition by firms tied to the Chinese authorities. Gov. Greg Abbott has stated if SB 147 passes this legislative session, he’ll sign it into legislation.
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