Key Takeaways
• Ohio debates bills forcing Chinese scientists near infrastructure to sell homes, impacting green card holders too.
• House Bill 1 bans new property purchases; Senate Bill 88 requires sales within two years for affected owners.
• Legislation affects over 1,300 international companies and 323,000 employees in Ohio, risking economic growth.
Ohio Considers Legislation That Could Force Chinese Scientists to Sell Their Homes
Ohio is at the center of a heated debate over new legislation that could force Chinese scientists and other nationals from so-called “foreign adversary” countries to sell their homes if they live near critical infrastructure—even if they are legal permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸. As of late May 2025, the Ohio legislature is actively considering two bills that would restrict property ownership for people from countries like China 🇨🇳, Russia 🇷🇺, and Iran 🇮🇷. This move has sparked strong reactions from affected communities, business leaders, and national security advocates.
Below, we break down what’s happening, who is affected, why this matters, and what could come next.
What’s Happening: The Basics
Two bills—one in the Ohio House and one in the Ohio Senate—are being debated. Both target property ownership by people from countries the United States 🇺🇸 government calls “foreign adversaries.” The main focus is on land located within 25 miles of critical infrastructure, such as military bases, water plants, railroads, and communication systems.
– House Bill 1 would ban non-citizens from these countries from owning land within the restricted zones. It would also apply to green card holders (legal permanent residents), but would allow those who already own property to keep it.
– Senate Bill 88 is stricter. It would require affected property owners to sell their homes within two years, even if they are legal permanent residents.
Both bills are currently in the committee stage, with public hearings and testimony taking place at the Ohio Statehouse.
Who Is Affected
The proposed Ohio legislation would impact:
- Chinese scientists and other professionals from China 🇨🇳, Russia 🇷🇺, Iran 🇮🇷, and other countries labeled as “foreign adversaries” by the U.S. government
- Legal permanent residents (green card holders), not just temporary visa holders or undocumented immigrants
- Property owners whose homes are within 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) of critical infrastructure
- International businesses with operations or investments in Ohio
For example, Professor Xiang Zhang, a genomics expert at the University of Cincinnati and a U.S. permanent resident, testified at a recent hearing. He shared his personal story, saying, “I never thought that one day, I would have to stand here in front of you to defend myself solely because of my nationality,” and “I never thought that one day, I would lose my house in Ohio solely because of my nationality.”
Why Is This Happening?
Supporters of the Ohio legislation say it is about national security. They argue that foreign adversaries could use property near important infrastructure to spy on the United States 🇺🇸 or disrupt key systems. Rep. Angie King, a sponsor of House Bill 1, said that federal efforts are not enough to stop growing threats like espionage and cyberattacks.
This is not just an Ohio issue. Similar laws have already passed in Florida and Texas, and at least 37 states have considered or are considering similar bills. The push is part of a larger trend in the United States 🇺🇸 to limit foreign access to sensitive technology and infrastructure, especially from China 🇨🇳.
Key Details of the Ohio Legislation
Let’s look more closely at what each bill would do:
House Bill 1:
– Bans property ownership by non-citizens from “foreign adversary” countries within 25 miles of critical infrastructure
– Allows current owners to keep their property, but new purchases would be blocked
– Applies to green card holders as well as people on temporary visas
Senate Bill 88:
– Requires affected owners to sell their property within two years, even if they already own it
– Covers the same group of people as House Bill 1, but is stricter in its enforcement
The Ohio Legislative Service Commission has warned that, because Ohio has so much critical infrastructure, these rules could affect property owners all over the state.
How Would the Law Be Enforced?
If either bill becomes law, enforcement would involve several steps:
- County auditors would investigate property sales if there are reports of suspicious transactions
- County sheriffs would be responsible for making sure the law is followed
- Property buyers would have to submit statements confirming they are not violating the law
This means that anyone buying property in Ohio could face extra paperwork and checks, especially if they are from a country on the “foreign adversary” list.
Economic Impact: What’s at Stake for Ohio?
The economic effects of this legislation could be huge. Ohio is home to more than 1,300 international companies, which together employ about 323,000 people. Some of these companies are Chinese-owned, such as Capchem, Fuyao Glass, and Triangle Tire USA. These businesses provide hundreds of jobs in Ohio.
If the Ohio legislation passes, it could:
- Discourage international companies from investing in Ohio
- Create uncertainty for existing businesses, especially those with ties to China 🇨🇳
- Hurt job growth and economic development in the state
Governor Mike DeWine previously vetoed similar legislation, saying he was worried about losing good investments and jobs for Ohioans.
Opposition: Concerns About Fairness and Discrimination
Many people and groups have spoken out against the proposed laws. Their main concerns include:
- Discrimination based on nationality: Critics say the bills target people simply because of where they were born, not because they pose any real threat.
- Impact on international talent: Ohio universities and research centers rely on scientists and students from around the world. These rules could make it harder to attract and keep top talent.
- Property rights: Legal permanent residents, who have lived and worked in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, could lose their homes.
- Economic harm: By making Ohio seem unfriendly to foreigners, the state could lose out on business and investment.
- Problems for international athletes and professionals: People who come to Ohio for work or sports might find it harder to buy homes.
During the public hearings, many people shared personal stories about how the law would affect them and their families.
Supporters: National Security and State Action
Groups in favor of the Ohio legislation include State Armor Action and the America First Policy Institute. They argue that the federal government cannot do everything and that states need to take their own steps to protect against foreign threats.
Harrison Siders from State Armor Action said that local action is important to back up national security efforts.
Expert Opinions: Finding the Right Balance
Business leaders and economic development groups have called for careful wording in the law. They want to make sure that real threats are addressed, but that Ohio does not scare away friendly investors or talented workers.
- JobsOhio, the state’s main economic development group, says national security is always a top concern when they look at new investments.
- Kelsey Johnson from the Global Business Alliance says laws should focus on real risks, not create broad bans that hurt the state’s economy.
National Context: Part of a Bigger Trend
The Ohio legislation is part of a larger U.S. effort to separate from China 🇨🇳 in areas like technology and infrastructure. For several years, there has been bipartisan support in Congress for tighter controls on Chinese access to sensitive areas.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these state-level laws are an extension of national security concerns, but they also raise tough questions about fairness, discrimination, and the impact on local economies.
What Happens Next?
The future of the Ohio legislation is still uncertain. Several things could affect the outcome:
- Committee hearings and public testimony: Lawmakers are still listening to people’s opinions and may change the bills before a final vote.
- Governor DeWine’s decision: The governor could sign or veto the bills, as he has done before.
- Possible legal challenges: If the law passes, it could be challenged in court for violating property rights or discriminating based on nationality.
- Amendments: Lawmakers might change the bills to address concerns about fairness or economic harm.
The final version of the law will decide whether people like Professor Zhang will have to sell their homes in Ohio.
Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals
If you are a Chinese scientist, business owner, or legal permanent resident from a “foreign adversary” country living in Ohio, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from the Ohio legislature and local news outlets.
- Consult an immigration attorney: If you own property near critical infrastructure, get legal advice about your rights and options.
- Prepare documentation: Keep records showing your immigration status and property ownership.
- Participate in public hearings: Share your story with lawmakers if you want your voice heard.
For official updates on property ownership rules for foreign nationals, you can visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) page, which provides information on federal rules and guidance.
Broader Implications: What’s at Stake for Ohio and the United States 🇺🇸
The debate over the Ohio legislation is about more than just property ownership. It touches on:
- National security: How to protect the country from real threats without unfairly targeting innocent people
- Economic growth: Making sure Ohio stays open for business and attracts the best talent from around the world
- Fairness and equality: Ensuring that laws do not discriminate against people based on where they come from
As more states consider similar laws, the outcome in Ohio could set an example for the rest of the country.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Ohio
Ohio’s proposed legislation targeting property ownership by Chinese scientists and other nationals from “foreign adversary” countries is at a turning point. Lawmakers must weigh the need for security against the risk of discrimination and economic harm. The decisions made in the coming weeks will affect not only those directly targeted by the bills but also Ohio’s reputation as a place that welcomes international talent and investment.
If you are affected by these proposals, now is the time to seek legal advice, stay informed, and make your voice heard. The outcome will shape the future for many families, businesses, and communities across Ohio.
For more detailed analysis and updates on immigration and property laws, VisaVerge.com reports that staying connected to trusted sources is essential as the situation develops.
Learn Today
Foreign adversary → A country labeled by the U.S. government as a threat to national security, restricting certain rights.
Green card holder → A legal permanent resident authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
Critical infrastructure → Essential facilities like military bases, water plants, railways crucial to national security and public safety.
House Bill 1 → Ohio legislation banning non-citizen property ownership near critical infrastructure within 25 miles.
Senate Bill 88 → Ohio law proposal requiring affected property owners to sell homes within two years.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ohio’s proposed laws could force Chinese scientists and other foreign adversaries to sell homes near vital infrastructure, igniting national security and discrimination debates that challenge property rights and economic impacts across the state’s international communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
