COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOWO)— Ohio lawmakers are considering House Bill 1, also called the Ohio Property Protection Act, which would prohibit citizens of countries designated by the federal government as “foreign adversaries” from buying land within ten miles of critical infrastructure.
Supporters say the bill is necessary to protect Ohio from espionage, economic surveillance, and potential sabotage. “As legislators, we have a responsibility to protect Ohio from those who seek to undermine and destroy our American values and way of life,” said Rep. Angie King (R-Celina), who introduced the bill according to NBC-4 Columbus.
However, immigration and civil rights advocates argue the measure unfairly targets individuals based on national origin and could violate federal housing discrimination laws. “The fundamental problem with the bill is it really is discriminatory and unconstitutional,” said Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin), an immigrant herself…