8.10.25 – Senate Bill 17 in Texas

On June 22, Governor Abbott signed SB 17 into state law. This law will prohibit individuals and companies from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from acquiring property interests, such as land or real estate in Texas.

The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

While supporters claim this law is meant to protect national security and preserve resources for Texans, we believe SB 17 is deeply harmful, discriminatory and stokes anti-Asian sentiment that we continue to combat. It does reflect a Texas for all, especially when nearly 1.5 million Asian Texans call Texas home.

Asian Texans have long shaped the economic, cultural, and social fabric of our state. From small businesses, artists, creatives, healthcare to technology and education. As the fastest-growing population in Texas, we will protect and defend the rights and well-being of all Asian communities.

At LEAD Filipino, we stand firmly against SB 17.  We reject laws that directly harm our communities under the guise of security, and we urge our state leaders to take action.