Last January 29, 2023, hundreds of Chinese citizens marched in protest through Austin and Dallas which seeks to prohibit Chinese citizens from purchasing any type of property in Texas, residential or commercial. In addition, countries that are also impacted under the law are North Korea, Russia, and Iran. The plan has elicited a massive response from Chinese residents of Texas.
Through this serious matter, Texas State Senator Louis Kolkhorst who authored the senate bill 147, changed her mind about this crucial situation after hearing some concerns about the legislation. This contentious Senate bill will now change its proposed policy to remove a provision that would prohibit all Chinese citizens from purchasing homes in the state. The bill has been amended so that it does not apply to the purchase of a homestead and that dual citizens and permanent residents are completely exempted. As mentioned in NBC News, Sen. Kolkhorst stated that the goal of the bill was to legislate common safeguards against Russian, North Korean, Chinese, and Iranian authoritarian regimes. She also said that” it will not apply to those fleeing the tyranny of those governments who seek freedom in Texas. The committee substitute makes important clarifications, so the law targets agents of these adversarial regimes while not harming innocent Texans in pursuit of the American dream.” This has been a tough ride for all of them considering the policy and the rights of Asians. This type of incident is required to develop a savvier solution to avoid tensions between the Texas community and Asian Americans.
We have rights to fight for, but may we never forget to respect, be kind, and prosper the humanity within us. Let’s be united, stop the hatred and fear from taking over. Make a positive difference.
References:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/texas-bill-will-no-longer-aim-ban-chinese-citizens-buying-homes-state-rcna72887
https://news.yahoo.com/texas-bill-no-longer-aim-204532746.html
Photo Courtesy: Austin American- Statesman
Authored by: Nicole Anne Manzo
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