On Tuesday, the Texas State Senate granted initial approval to a bill that would prevent many Chinese citizens from owning significant properties in the state.

This proposal has been criticized as discriminatory and has faced significant backlash from Asian American Texans, as well as people from Iran, Russia, and other countries affected by the ban.

Republican Senator Lois Kolkhorst from Brenham introduced and pushed the bill forward, and it was approved by senators along party lines, the Texarkana Gazette reported.

Under the proposed legislation, citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia would be barred from purchasing significant portions of land in Texas, with some exceptions.

The ban would be based on a threat assessment report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Some Chinese Americans in North Texas have expressed opposition to the bill, stating that it discriminates against their community.

Jian Xie, a member of several organizations with ties to the Asian and Chinese American communities, including the Asian Culture And Education Society USA, has vowed to continue fighting against the legislation.

The bill still requires one more vote in the Senate before it can be considered by the House. If it reaches his desk, Governor Greg Abbott has stated that he would sign it into law.

Written by staff