Fact Check: Texas law exempts U.S. citizens and legal residents from property purchase ban.

Fact Check: Texas Law Exempts U.S. Citizens and Legal Residents from Property Purchase Ban

What We Know

In May 2025, the Texas House approved Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), which aims to prohibit property purchases by citizens, businesses, and governments from four countries deemed national security threats: China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. However, the bill includes specific exemptions for U.S. citizens and legal residents. According to the bill's text, "this subchapter does not apply to a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident" (source-1). Additionally, legal visa holders, such as international students and workers, are also exempt from the purchase restrictions (source-2). If enacted, the law could take effect on September 1, 2025, pending approval from the Texas Senate and Governor Greg Abbott (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Texas law exempts U.S. citizens and legal residents from the property purchase ban is substantiated by the text of SB 17 itself, which explicitly states these exemptions (source-1). The reliability of this information is bolstered by multiple sources, including a detailed analysis from the Texas Tribune, which confirms that the bill's provisions protect U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from the restrictions imposed on foreign nationals (source-5).

Moreover, the bill has faced criticism for potentially fostering discrimination and targeting specific groups, particularly those from Asian countries (source-3). Critics argue that such laws could lead to increased racial tensions and unfair treatment. Nonetheless, the legal framework of SB 17 is clear in its exemptions, which are designed to address concerns about national security while still allowing legal residents to participate in the property market.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the Texas Tribune being a well-respected news organization in Texas, known for its thorough reporting on state legislation (source-5). The legal text of the bill itself serves as a primary source, providing direct evidence of the exemptions mentioned.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Texas law exempts U.S. citizens and legal residents from the property purchase ban is accurate. The legislative text of SB 17 explicitly provides these exemptions, ensuring that individuals legally residing in the U.S. can still purchase property in Texas, regardless of the restrictions placed on foreign nationals from specific countries.

Sources

1. Texas Bill Analysis for SB 17
2. Texas Bill Advances to Limit Property Purchases
3. Texas Governor Signs Bill Critics Call Modern-Day 'Alien Land Law'
4. VÍDEO: outro foguete da SpaceX, de Elon Musk, explode durante …
5. Texas House OKs Bill Banning Land Sales to Foreign Entities
6. Texit: Entenda o Movimento Separatista do Texas
7. PDF One Pager: Texas H.B. 17