Effort to Secure Homeland and Protect National Security
A new bill has been introduced in Congress that seeks to prohibit foreign ownership of American real estate, aiming to secure the homeland and protect national security. The legislation, called the American Land and Property Protection Act, would extend the prohibition to any entity designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department.
Lawmakers behind the bill argue that foreign adversaries should not be allowed to own American real estate while Americans are restricted from buying property in countries such as Moscow, Beijing, or Havana. The bill, according to its supporters, is a crucial first step in ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation in an ever-changing global landscape.
The American Land and Property Protection Act has garnered support from several representatives, including Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee, Randy Weber of Texas, Alex Mooney of West Virginia, August Pfluger of Texas, Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who all cosponsored the bill.
Concerns Over Foreign Ownership of American Real Estate
Republicans have been sounding the alarm over the increasing share of American real estate purchased and owned by foreign entities. They argue that such acquisitions pose a threat to U.S. national security, agricultural production, and sometimes even military interests, especially when the land is located near military bases.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Government Accountability Office revealed that the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has failed to consistently share timely information about foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land, as required by the 1978 Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act. The report raised concerns about the USDA’s inability to track land ownership, potentially affecting the nation’s supply chain and economy.
Data from the USDA indicates that as of 2021, foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land has grown to approximately 40 million acres. Additionally, the acquisition of American farmland by foreign entities increased tenfold between 2009 and 2016 alone.
Instances Citing National Security Concerns
Recent cases have highlighted the potential national security risks associated with foreign ownership of American land. In February 2023, the city officials of Grand Forks, North Dakota, rejected building permits for a Chinese-owned corn mill project due to concerns about its proximity to a U.S. Air Force base. The Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS), responsible for reviewing foreign investments with potential national security implications, concluded that it did not have jurisdiction over the case.
In another incident, a subsidiary of a Chinese company purchased 270 acres of land in Michigan to build an electric vehicle battery component factory. The land is located within close proximity to military armories and the largest U.S. National Guard training center in the country. Similar to the Grand Forks case, CFIUS determined that this transaction was not covered under their jurisdiction.
Protecting Food Security and National Interests
Advocates for the American Land and Property Protection Act argue that food security is national security. They stress the importance of not allowing foreign adversaries to influence the nation’s food supply or critical infrastructure while turning a blind eye to the potential risks.
The bill aims to address these concerns by preventing foreign terrorist organizations and other foreign entities from owning American real estate. If passed, it would be a significant step toward safeguarding national security and protecting vital national interests.
