Ohio May Ban Green Card Holders from Buying Land Near Infrastructure

Key Takeaways

• Ohio bills HB 1 and SB 88 would ban green card holders from foreign adversaries buying land near critical infrastructure.
• Affected countries include China, Iran, Russia; existing owners might keep property but selling within two years required under SB 88.
• The laws aim to protect national security; legal challenges and economic impact concerns are expected.

Ohio Considers Land Purchase Ban for Green Card Holders from “Foreign Adversary” Countries

Ohio is at the center of a heated debate over new legislation that could ban certain Green Card Holders from buying land near critical infrastructure. As of June 2025, the Ohio legislature is actively considering House Bill 1 (HB 1) and Senate Bill 88 (SB 88), which would prohibit lawful permanent residents—commonly known as green card holders—from countries labeled as “foreign adversaries” from purchasing property within 25 miles of important sites like military bases, power plants, and water treatment facilities. This move follows similar laws already enacted in Florida and Texas and reflects a growing trend across the United States 🇺🇸 to restrict land purchases by foreign nationals from certain countries.

This article explains what these bills mean, who could be affected, why the laws are being proposed, and what the possible outcomes could be for immigrants, property owners, and the wider Ohio community.

Who Is Affected and What Is Being Proposed?

The proposed Ohio legislation targets green card holders from countries the United States 🇺🇸 government considers “foreign adversaries.” This list includes China, Iran, Russia, and several others. If HB 1 or SB 88 becomes law, these individuals would not be allowed to buy land within 25 miles of any “critical infrastructure” in Ohio. Critical infrastructure includes:

• Military bases
• Power plants
• Water treatment plants
• Gas lines
• Transit hubs

U.S. citizens and dual citizens are not affected by these restrictions. The law would only apply to non-citizens from the specified countries, even if they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years as lawful permanent residents.

If the law passes, green card holders from these countries who already own property in the restricted zones could keep their current property. However, they would not be allowed to buy new property in these areas. Under the Senate version (SB 88), those who already own property in the restricted zones would have to sell it within two years.

Why Is Ohio Considering This Law?

Supporters of House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88 say the main reason for the law is national security. They argue that allowing foreign nationals from certain countries to own land near critical infrastructure could put Ohio at risk of espionage or sabotage. Representative Angela King, a co-sponsor of HB 1, said the bill is about “protecting our obligation to keep our power stations, water treatment plants, and gas lines safe from surveillance and espionage.”

This concern is not unique to Ohio. Across the United States 🇺🇸, there has been a sharp increase in state laws aimed at restricting land purchases by foreign nationals from countries seen as security threats. As of July 2024, at least 22 states have passed similar laws, and more are considering them.

What Would Happen If the Law Passes?

If either HB 1 or SB 88 becomes law, the process would look like this:

1. Identification: State authorities would identify properties owned or being purchased by green card holders from “foreign adversary” countries within the restricted zones.
2. Notification: Affected individuals would be notified that they cannot buy property in these areas, or that they must sell property they already own.
3. Compliance Period: Under SB 88, those who must sell would have two years to do so.
4. Enforcement: If someone does not comply, the state could force the sale or take other actions. The exact enforcement details are still being discussed in the legislature.

The law would not apply to rental properties, so green card holders from the affected countries could still rent homes or apartments anywhere in Ohio.

How Much of Ohio Would Be Covered?

The 25-mile restriction around critical infrastructure would cover large parts of Ohio. Because military bases, power plants, and other important sites are spread throughout the state, there would be few areas left where affected green card holders could buy property. This could make it very hard for people from the listed countries to purchase homes or land in much of Ohio.

Who Supports and Who Opposes the Bills?

Supporters of the bills, including many lawmakers, say the law is needed to protect Ohio’s safety and prevent foreign governments from gaining access to sensitive areas. They point to recent concerns about espionage and the need to keep important sites secure.

Opponents include many green card holders, immigrant communities, universities, and business groups. They argue that the law is unfair and discriminatory because it targets people based on their nationality, even if they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years and followed all the rules. Some also worry that the law could hurt Ohio’s economy by making it harder to attract international talent and investment.

Xiang Zhang, a University of Cincinnati professor and green card holder, testified against the bill, saying, “I never thought that one day, I would lose my house in Ohio solely because of my nationality.” Many academic and research institutions have also voiced concerns, saying the law could make it harder to hire and keep top researchers and students from around the world.

What Are the Practical Effects for Green Card Holders?

If the law passes, green card holders from the listed countries could face several challenges:

• Buying Homes: They would be barred from purchasing homes or land in large parts of Ohio.
• Keeping Property: Those who already own property in restricted areas could be forced to sell it within two years, depending on which version of the bill becomes law.
• Uncertainty: The law could create confusion and stress for families who have built their lives in Ohio.
• Career Impact: Universities, research centers, and companies that depend on international talent could find it harder to recruit and keep skilled workers.

For many green card holders, owning a home is a key part of building a stable life in the United States 🇺🇸. Losing the right to buy or keep property could have a deep personal and financial impact.

How Could the Law Affect Ohio’s Real Estate Market?

The proposed law could also have big effects on Ohio’s real estate market:

• Lower Demand: If green card holders from the affected countries cannot buy property in large areas, demand for homes and land could drop.
• Falling Prices: Lower demand could lead to lower property values, especially in areas near critical infrastructure.
• Investor Uncertainty: Foreign investors might be less likely to invest in Ohio if they worry about future restrictions or forced sales.

This uncertainty could make it harder for some communities to attract new residents and investment.

How Does Ohio’s Proposal Compare to Other States?

Ohio is not alone in considering these types of laws. Since 2021, 42 states have introduced 323 bills to restrict foreign ownership of land. In 2024 alone, 38 bills were passed and 17 became law. Florida and Texas have already enacted similar laws, and more states are expected to follow.

There is no federal law that bans foreign nationals from owning private land in the United States 🇺🇸. However, some federal rules do restrict foreign ownership of public lands and agricultural property in certain cases. States have broad authority to make their own rules about who can buy property within their borders.

Legal experts say that while states can regulate property sales, these laws could face court challenges. Opponents argue that the laws are discriminatory and may violate constitutional rights. If Ohio passes HB 1 or SB 88, legal battles are likely.

What Should Green Card Holders and Affected Communities Do?

If you are a green card holder from one of the listed countries and own or plan to buy property in Ohio, it is important to:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates on the status of HB 1 and SB 88 through the Ohio General Assembly website.
• Know Your Rights: Review your rights and responsibilities as a green card holder using the USCIS official guide.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you think you may be affected, talk to an immigration attorney or contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) for help.
• Document Ownership: Keep clear records of your property ownership and any communications from state authorities.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the situation is changing quickly, and those who may be affected should pay close attention to legislative developments and be ready to act if the law passes.

What Are the Next Steps for the Ohio Bills?

As of June 2025, both House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88 are still being debated in the Ohio legislature. Lawmakers are hearing testimony from supporters and opponents, and the final language of the bills could still change. If one of the bills passes, the governor would need to sign it into law, and state agencies would then begin the process of identifying affected properties and notifying owners.

If the law is enacted, the following steps would likely occur:

• State agencies would create a list of critical infrastructure sites and map the 25-mile restricted zones.
• Authorities would identify properties owned or being purchased by green card holders from the listed countries within those zones.
• Affected individuals would receive official notice about the new restrictions and any requirements to sell property.
• A two-year compliance period would begin for those required to sell, under SB 88.
• Enforcement actions could follow if property is not sold within the required time.

Legal challenges are expected, and courts may be asked to decide whether the law is constitutional.

What Is the Broader National Context?

The debate in Ohio is part of a larger national trend. Concerns about national security, especially in the context of U.S.-China tensions, have led many states to consider or pass laws restricting land purchases by foreign nationals. Supporters say these laws are needed to protect sensitive sites from foreign influence. Opponents warn that the laws could lead to discrimination, harm state economies, and make it harder for the United States 🇺🇸 to attract global talent.

There is no sign that this trend will slow down soon. More states are expected to consider similar laws in the coming year, and the issue is likely to remain a hot topic in state legislatures and courts.

Summary Table: Ohio Proposed Land Ban for Green Card Holders

Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance

• Green card holders from certain countries could soon face major restrictions on buying property in Ohio.
• If you already own property in a restricted area, you may be allowed to keep it, but could be required to sell within two years if SB 88 passes.
• The law would not affect U.S. citizens or dual citizens, and would not apply to rental properties.
• The proposed law could have wide effects on Ohio’s real estate market, economy, and ability to attract international talent.
• Legal challenges are likely if the law is passed.
• Stay informed, know your rights, and seek legal advice if you may be affected.

For the latest updates on the status of House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88, visit the Ohio General Assembly website. For more information on green card rights and responsibilities, see the USCIS official guide.

The situation in Ohio is changing quickly, and the outcome will have important consequences for green card holders, property owners, and the state as a whole. Those who may be affected should watch for new developments and be ready to act if the law is passed.

Learn Today

Green Card Holder → A lawful permanent resident authorized to live and work indefinitely in the United States.
Critical Infrastructure → Facilities vital for public safety, including military bases, power plants, and water treatment plants.
House Bill 1 (HB 1) → Ohio legislation proposing property purchase restrictions for foreign adversary green card holders near key infrastructures.
Senate Bill 88 (SB 88) → Senate version of Ohio bill that may require existing owners to sell restricted property within two years.
Foreign Adversary Countries → Nations identified by the U.S. government as security threats, including China, Iran, and Russia.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ohio debates HB 1 and SB 88 to ban certain green card holders from buying land near key sites. These laws target residents from foreign adversary countries, citing national security risks. Opposition fears discrimination and economic harm. The legislation reflects a growing U.S. trend restricting property purchases by foreigners near critical infrastructure.
— By VisaVerge.com