The Kansas House of Representatives has approved proposals aimed at limiting Chinese entities’ economic influence, along with businesses and individuals from other “countries of concern” like Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela. These measures include restrictions on the ownership of farmland and business property, state investments in foreign companies, and the use of foreign-made drones. These bills are supported by Republican legislators who argue that they are necessary to protect national security and prevent spying. However, Democratic critics argue that these measures are fueled by xenophobia.
Under one bill, companies with citizens from the listed nations owning more than 10% of the firm would be prohibited from owning farmland or business property within 150 miles of U.S. military and National Guard bases. Another bill requires the state to divest from companies with ties to these nations, while a third prohibits state and local agencies from acquiring drones with critical components made in these nations. The bills passed the House with strong Republican support, while most Democrats opposed them during debates.
Supporters of the measures argue that they are justified by the human rights abuses committed by these nations, such as in Iran where women are subjected to stoning for being seen in public with a non-relative male. However, critics argue that these bills could harm immigrant small business owners waiting to become U.S. citizens and would not effectively address national security threats. The bills now move to the state Senate for consideration, where they are also expected to receive support from the GOP majority.
State Attorney General Kris Kobach has proposed even tougher restrictions, such as limiting individual foreign nationals to owning just 3 acres of property in Kansas and setting up a new State Land Council to review cases and grant exceptions. However, this proposal has faced opposition from business and agriculture groups and remains stuck in a Senate committee. Democratic critics argue that the existing prohibition on corporate ownership of farmland is already sufficient and that the proposed restrictions could have unintended consequences.
The debate over these bills has sparked discussions around Asian prejudice and anti-China sentiment in the Kansas Legislature. Some lawmakers have compared the proposed restrictions to past discriminatory policies against Asian Americans and immigrants. However, supporters of the measures argue that these are necessary to protect U.S. interests and prevent potential threats to national security. The fate of these proposals now rests with the state Senate and the governor, who has not yet indicated her stance on the bills. If passed, these measures could have significant implications for foreign entities and individuals looking to invest in Kansas.
