Green Card Holders Could be Banned from Buying Land in This US State

The Ohio legislature is considering stringent new regulations on land ownership by foreign nationals and certain legal permanent residents, mirroring similar measures recently enacted in Florida and Texas. 

House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88 propose limiting property acquisitions near critical infrastructure and military installations, citing national security as the primary impetus. The proposed legislation targets individuals and entities from countries deemed adversarial by the US government, including China, Russia, and Iran, prohibiting them from acquiring land within a 25-mile radius of key sites like military bases, energy facilities, and transportation hubs. Sponsors argue this restriction is essential to prevent espionage and unauthorized access to sensitive infrastructure.

Representative Angela King, a sponsor of the bill, says that the legislation aims to safeguard critical infrastructure from potential surveillance and espionage. While current permanent residents would be exempt from retroactive restrictions, they would be barred from making additional land purchases within the designated zones. The bill will not affect rentals. Under the proposed law, affected individuals and businesses would have a two-year period to divest any properties already acquired within the restricted areas. 

US citizens, including those holding dual citizenship, would be exempt from these limitations. The move in Ohio reflects a growing national trend of scrutinizing foreign land ownership amid heightened security concerns. Laws enacted in Florida and Texas have faced legal challenges regarding property rights and discrimination claims, igniting national debates over the balance between national security and economic openness.

The Ohio Realtors issued a statement on May 20, expressing concerns that the legislation could unduly impact residential real estate transactions beyond high-risk cases. The group cautions that overly broad prohibitions on foreign land ownership could hinder economic growth and discourage foreign investment. Critics warn that limiting land purchases could deter foreign investment and hinder hiring efforts at research institutions and businesses relying on international expertise.