Justice Dept. Deems Florida Law Limiting Chinese Land Ownership Unconstitutional

The U.S. Department of Justice has declared a new law signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which restricts Chinese land ownership in the state, as unconstitutional. The law, aimed at protecting Florida from security threats, violates the Fair Housing Act and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, according to the Justice Department. The law specifically targets individuals from "foreign countries of concern" such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, preventing them from purchasing property in Florida, with some exceptions. Governor DeSantis, who is running for the Republican nomination for president, has defended the law as a stand against China and criticized President Joe Biden's foreign policy. The law is set to take effect on July 1st.