Florida Judge Upholds Law Restricting Chinese Property Ownership

A federal judge in Florida has refused to halt a law that restricts land ownership by Chinese citizens, ruling that the law can remain in force while the case is heard in court. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, prohibits Chinese citizens without US citizenship or permanent residency from owning property in Florida, as well as restricting citizens of other countries deemed as "concerns" from purchasing property near military installations or critical infrastructure. Critics argue that the law is discriminatory against Asian immigrants and deploys false claims of national security, while supporters claim it is necessary to combat the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. The American Civil Liberties Union plans to appeal the decision. Similar bills targeting Chinese land ownership have been considered in other states.