Across the U.S., a growing wave of state and federal laws seeks to restrict the ownership of real property by foreign nationals—especially those from countries labeled “of particular concern.” These developments echo the legacy of early 20th-century “alien land laws,” which targeted Asian immigrants, and raise significant questions about constitutional rights, racial discrimination, and national security.
This Professor’s Corner will explore the legal, historical, and policy dimensions of these restrictions. Panelists will discuss recent state legislation like Florida’s SB 264, proposed bills in New York, and the federal role through CFIUS. We will also consider the racialized history of land ownership laws, particularly in California, and the implications of current policies for equal protection and property law.
