Texas State Senator Files Racist, Xenophobic Bill Limiting Land Purchase
'This piece of legislation targets lawful immigrants with visas and green cards.' Says HCDP Chair
On November 17, 2022, Republican State Senator Lois Kolkhorst filed Senate Bill 147. The bill aims to ban private citizens who immigrated from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from owning or purchasing property in Texas.
Modeled after a similar executive order signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Republican bill goes even further by prohibiting individuals, unconnected by foreign government, from being able to own or transfer real property.
"This blatantly racist and xenophobic piece of legislation is exactly what we expect from what is anticipated to be the most conservative session we've seen in Texas." Said Harris County Democratic Party chair, Odus Evbagharu.
"The Senator claims that she wants Texas to control Texas land, while being elected to serve some of the most diverse place in not only the state, but the country. Bills like this only seek to further alienate groups of people and promote fear mongering.
"Texas Republicans have proven once again that they can't improve the lives of Texans by fixing the power grid, funding public education or expanding Medicaid. Instead, they continue to use minority communities as scapegoats.
"SB 147 does not protect Texas land. This piece of legislation targets lawful immigrants with visas and green cards by not allowing them the same economic opportunity that many other people who have immigrated to this country have been afforded."
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For Immediate Release
Jan 19, 2022
Contact: Kylie McNaught
kylie@harrisdemocrats.com