Florida Law Prohibiting Chinese Citizens from Owning Homes Upheld by US Judge

A U.S. judge in Florida has refused to block a state law that prohibits citizens of China and other "countries of concern" from owning homes or land in the state. The judge ruled that the ban, which is based on citizenship rather than race or national origin, is likely constitutional and does not violate housing discrimination laws. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by four Chinese nationals who sought to block the law. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), representing the plaintiffs, plans to appeal the ruling. The law, signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to protect Americans from the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. The Biden administration has previously argued that the law violates the Fair Housing Act.