The governor of the state, Greg Abbott, signed a law that prohibits countries adversarial to the United States from purchasing land
Texas has become the most recent state to ban the purchase of land and properties by citizens or entities linked to nations considered adversaries of the United States.
Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 (S.B. 17), which prevents countries identified as threats in the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. intelligence community from acquiring real estate within the state, including land.
The law lists China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as the countries whose individuals or legal entities will not be able to acquire agricultural land, commercial or industrial properties, residences, or land used for mining or water extraction in Texas.
The measure, which takes effect on September 1, was justified by its proponents as a response to growing national security concerns, especially in light of attempts to purchase land near military bases.
The legislation provides exceptions: U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and individuals with legal status seeking to acquire a primary residence are exempt.
