Texas Shuts Out China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from Buying State Land

Texas has passed a strong new law that blocks people, companies, and governments from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from buying any land in the state.

This ban, which starts on September 1, 2025, covers farmland, homes, business properties, and even land with water or oil. State officials say the law protects Texas from foreign governments that the U.S. sees as security threats.

They worry about these countries buying land near military bases or important infrastructure. The Texas Attorney General will enforce the law, with penalties including heavy fines and possible prison for anyone who breaks it.

Texas has more foreign-owned farmland than any other U.S. state—about 5.7 million acres. However, most of this land belongs to companies from friendly countries.

Chinese investors own about 383,000 acres of farmland across the entire United States, a tiny share of all foreign-held land. Texas is not alone. At least 22 other states, including Florida, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, have passed similar laws.

These states want to keep control over their farmland, water, and energy resources. Supporters believe the law keeps Texas land and resources in American hands and reduces security risks.

Critics worry it could unfairly affect immigrants and legal residents from the targeted countries, but the law has exceptions to protect them. This move marks a big change in how states handle foreign investment.

More states are likely to follow Texas, making it harder for foreign governments seen as hostile to buy land in the U.S. The debate now centers on how to balance security with fairness and economic growth.

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