Jin Bian, a Chinese software engineer who has lived in the US for 12 years on an H-1B visa may face jail term for buying property in Florida.
Bian, 31, who wanted to cut his one-hour commute by purchasing a house near office in Tampa was in for a shock when he discovered that he can be jailed. His fault? He bought property ignoring his immigration status. Based on a law enacted nearly a year ago, Chinese citizens on H-1B visas, like him, are prohibited from buying property in Florida.
“I was really shocked. It’s just purchasing property. Once I learned that, I didn’t even bother to look anymore,” Bian, originally from Nanjing, China, told CNN.
Chinese citizens without green cards face a felony charge and possible prison time if they purchase property in the state. Sellers and real estate agents can also be found liable under the law.
Susan Li, who holds a green card, said she “really felt the discrimination” when she learned about the bill.
What is the Florida Law on property purchase for H-1B holders?
A year back in July, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed this law, which restricts Chinese nationals…
