A new law aims to prevent foreign governments from buying agricultural land in Tennessee. But it has a wide scope that could affect certain people and not just their countries.
State Republican lawmakers passed a measure preventing non-U.S. residents from buying property if they are from a country sanctioned by the U.S. government. That list includes Afghanistan, Cuba and Iraq, among others.
Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, says the intent is more specific.
“The intent of this piece of legislation is to ensure that the Chinese communist government, their foreign business, can not come into Tennessee and continue to buy our agricultural land,” Zachary said.
The only people allowed to buy property under the new law are U.S. citizens and those who are lawfully allowed to hold permanent residence.
Luis Mata is with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugees Rights Coalition. He calls this bill racist.
“The intent and the essence of the bill are completely rooted in xenophobia and white supremacy,” Mata said.
Beginning on July 1, anyone who is not a U.S. resident and from a sanctioned country must register their property with the Secretary of State’s office within 60 days.
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