Houston Chinese Alliance (HCA) stands against Texas 88th Legislature Senate Bill 147. Bill Title: Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities. ( Bill text https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/html/SB00147I.htm )

While the bill may have its original intention of protecting national security and combating illegal activities, it has negative consequences in multiple domains. One major concern is that the bill would discriminate against individuals based on their country of origin, which is unjust, unfair, and unconstitutional.

HCA is committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of all people, those of Chinese ethnicity in particular, in the greater Houston area, and to promoting their well-being and development in the United States. SB147, in its current form, limits the rights and opportunities of people of Chinese ethnicity based solely on their country of origin and has the potential of intensifying hostility toward all individuals of Chinese descent. As such, HCA objects to SB147, especially the following:

Sec. 5.0051. PURCHASE OF OR ACQUISITION OF TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY BY CERTAIN FOREIGN INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding any other law, the following may not purchase or otherwise acquire title to real property in this state:

                 (4) an individual who is a citizen of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. 

In order to stop this proposed bill from becoming law, we strongly encourage voters of Texas to contact their senators and the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick, to express objection to SB147. To find the Texas senators for certain districts, please visit https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home.

The Board of Houston Chinese Alliance