Archive · 3 Jun 2025
Ohio Bill Could Restrict Green Card Holders' Land Purchases
Ohio lawmakers are considering a new rule that would make it harder for some people with green cards to buy land.
The goal is to keep important places like power plants and military bases safe from spying.
This new rule would affect green card holders from certain countries such as China and Russia.
If someone already owns land, they can't buy new property in certain areas.
The bill has faced debate because of the sweeping limitations it creates.
Those who support the bill say it protects national security.
Some existing similar laws have faced lawsuits.
The Ohio Secretary of State would update the list of countries every six months if the bill passes.
This means that some people might have to sell their land if the rule goes into effect.
A proposed Ohio bill could restrict land purchases by certain green card holders.
The bill aims to protect critical infrastructure from espionage.
It would ban purchases within 25 miles of protected properties.
American citizens and dual citizens are exempt.
Similar laws exist in other states and have faced legal challenges.
- Who
- Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill that would restrict land ownership by green card holders from specific countries.
- What
- A proposed bill in Ohio could prohibit certain green card holders from purchasing land within 25 miles of critical infrastructure.
- When
- If passed, the bill would require individuals to sell restricted property within two years.
- Where
- Ohio
- Why
- To protect critical infrastructure from espionage and surveillance, the bill seeks to limit foreign land ownership.
Opponents
Supporters
Impact on Land Ownership
Opponents
The bill would create sweeping limitations affecting more than high-risk transactions.
Supporters
The bill aims to protect critical infrastructure from surveillance and espionage.
- Bill Number
- House Bill 1
- Sponsors
- Representatives King and Klopfenstein
- Affected Groups
- Green card holders from specific countries
- Restricted Area
- 25-mile radius around critical infrastructure
- Exemptions
- American citizens and those with dual citizenship
- Enforcement
- County sheriffs
- Affected Land
- Farmland, military bases, airports, etc.