Court to dismiss suit against Texas law to limit Chinese property rights: lawyer

A US federal court in Texas is dismissing a suit against a state law that would restrict property ownership and leasing by Chinese citizens, less than a month before the measure is to be implemented, according to one of the lawyers in the case.

The law, signed by Texas governor Greg Abbott in June and set to take effect on September 1, restricts real estate purchases by companies, individuals and government entities linked to countries that the federal government or Texas governor designates as a threat to the US. The legislation identifies China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, but provides for the addition of other countries.

In July, the non-profit Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance sued on behalf of three Chinese nationals in Texas – Qinlin Li, Peng Wang, Yisi Wang – alleging that the law is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The suit, filed against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, asks the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas to block its enforcement.

On Thursday, the court heard oral arguments in the case. Speaking to the Post after the hearing, Justin Sadowsky, who represents the plaintiffs, said that the judge, Charles Eskridge, will be dismissing the case on standing – meaning the plaintiffs do not have the right to sue.

The official opinion is to be issued on Monday, Sadowsky said, adding that he plans to file an appeal.

Neither the representatives for the court nor the state attorney general’s office immediately responded to a request for comment.

South China Morning Post