An attorney asked a federal appeals court on Friday to block a controversial Florida law signed last year that restricts Chinese citizens from buying real estate in much of the state, calling it discriminatory and a violation of the federal government’s supremacy in deciding foreign affairs.
Attorney Ashley Gorski, representing four Chinese nationals who live in the state, told a three-judge panel from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals that “Florida is unlawfully restricting housing for Chinese people.” The law bars Chinese nationals and citizens from other countries that Florida sees as a threat from buying property near military installations and other “critical infrastructure.”
She compared it to long-overturned laws from the early 20th century that barred Chinese from buying property.
“It is singling out people from particular countries in a way that is anathema to the equal protection guarantees that now exist,” Gorski told the court.
Hawaii Supreme Court chides state's legal moves on water after deadly Maui wildfire
Hong Kong marks key education day on safeguarding national security
Mainland urges Taiwan to return to 1992 Consensus to resume dialogue
Chinese organization to boost recycling of renewable resources
Larry David reunites with onscreen ex
Maine is the latest to join an interstate compact to elect the president by popular vote
Holly Willoughby 'to be protected by ex
4 killed in coal mine accident in central China
Previewing the 1st round of the NBA playoffs, which start on Saturday
Randal Gaines defeats Katie Bernhardt to become new chair of Louisiana Democratic Party
Canton Fair sees surge in number of overseas purchasers: official
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities