By Nari Che
On Saturday, about 50 Asian-American Texan allies were mined over the stairs of the Texas Capitol to protest the advances in two foreign land bills in the Texas Capitol.
Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) and House Bill 17 (HB 17) require that real property ownership be restricted and, in some cases, banned. Supporters of the bill argue that they are necessary for national security.
Texas House’s signature Jean Wu told Asamneuz it was difficult to tell whether SB 17 or HB 17 was bad, but asserted that these types of laws were “…unconstitutional at the time, and now unconstitutional, but they (the Texas Legislature) still argued for it.”
SB 17, passed by the Texas Senate on Thursday, said it would “restrict or prohibit individuals, businesses and government agencies from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from purchasing real estate in Texas.” This includes a very rare provision from World War II called “In-REM.” This allows for the ability to grant the ability to take property without informing it, or give it to an institution that challenges the ownership of seized property.
HB 17 prohibits H1B, L1 and other visa holders. It also includes criminal penalties for certain foreigners and entities that violate restrictions imposed on property ownership that are not included in SB 17. These penalties include potential criminal charges (felony in an individual’s state prison), but businesses may be charged substantial fines ($250,000 or 50% of the market value of the property).
Rep. Wu raises concerns that real estate agents don’t want to sell to Asian Americans for fear of crime, as people are unable to convey differences in Asian American ethnicities based on their appearance and determine immigrant status.
At the rally, Samia Shah (President of the Indian American Union of Texas) spoke to the crowd and argued that limiting or preventing property ownership by Asians was a ploy to reduce economic power as “…homes and property are the best way to transfer multi-generational wealth.”
Shah, who served in the US military, expressed the importance he imposed on national security, claiming, “…If this bill was really about national security, it would not be about race.” Rather, they will try to identify who will buy property in sensitive areas, regardless of their identity.
Also at the rally, Alice Yi (co-founder of Asia-Texas for Justice) expressed her joy, saying, “…our community is ready to protect their civil rights and willing to learn.” Despite the roughly 2 million Asian American Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans living in Texas being Texas’ fastest-growing racial group, YI feels “…the bill introduces us and sees us as third-class citizens.” She highlights the importance of media support from Asian American communities and allies outside of Texas to combat the advancements in these bills.
“If we don’t stand up to today’s bill, we’ll target someone else tomorrow,” she said.
Taipei Shwe, president of United Chinese Americans (UCA), has come all the way from Washington, DC to support and support the rally.
“Chinese Americans are Americans and we should be treated equally. There is absolutely no discrimination in this country,” he said in an interview with Asam News.
He also expressed his hope that “…Chinese communities will be mobilized to fight for their own destiny.” He recognizes the importance of financial support in opposing SB17 and HB17’s progress, but Taipei Xue emphasizes the need for moral support. He screams that moral support will serve as a “backbone” for advocacy by the Chinese-American community in Texas.
Rep. Jean Wu reiterated the messages expressed by fellow AAPI community leaders, members and allies in the protest, saying opposing these bills is “…part of a huge fight for the survival of Asians in this country.” He explains that many people don’t want to believe there is a powerful force here that doesn’t want Asians.
He further explains that elected officials believe it is acceptable to pass these bills, as they say, “…no one is talking.” He asked people to express their opposition to SB 17 and HB 17 by calling state representatives and senators.
“If we don’t fight back, this will be over,” Wu said.
