A Governor's Resolute Stand
Governor Katie Hobbs drew a line in the sand with her veto of a deeply flawed bill. That legislation would have allowed the Chinese Communist Party three years to own Arizona land, a dangerous oversight in a time of heightened geopolitical tension. Her veto rejected complacency and exposed the bill's weaknesses, which failed to protect our state from foreign adversaries. Hobbs acted with clarity and purpose, prioritizing Arizona's sovereignty.
Building on that resolve, she introduced the BAN Act, a proposal to prohibit hostile foreign entities from owning our land. This move addresses a pressing need to safeguard our communities, resources, and security. Why would we allow nations that oppose our values to control Arizona's soil? Hobbs' leadership confronts this question directly, setting a standard for bold action.
The BAN Act's Urgent Purpose
Known as SB1066, the BAN Act prevents entities labeled hostile by Arizona's legislature from purchasing public or private land without approval. It extends existing restrictions on agricultural and grazing land to private holdings, a vital step given that foreign entities own over 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. Some of these holdings are linked to nations like China, whose government has been associated with espionage and strategic resource grabs. Arizona's military bases and vast rural landscapes make it a prime target for such threats.
The BAN Act ensures transparency by requiring sellers to verify buyer identities and report transactions. Unlike the vetoed bill's three-year loophole, this proposal demands immediate accountability. The 2023 Chinese surveillance balloon incident and controversial land purchases near U.S. military bases highlight the stakes. This policy targets specific risks while preserving Arizona's openness to allied investment.
Some proponents of foreign direct investment argue that such restrictions could deter economic growth, emphasizing the jobs and innovation foreign investment brings. Yet, the BAN Act focuses narrowly on hostile actors, leaving allies like Canada and European nations, who dominate foreign land ownership, unaffected. The fear of lost investment feels exaggerated when weighed against the need to protect our state.
Arizona Leads a National Movement
Across the country, over 30 states have introduced or enacted laws since 2022 to curb foreign land ownership, driven by concerns over espionage and resource control. States like Texas and Arkansas have paved the way, but Arizona's BAN Act stands out for its precision. Unlike federal reviews under CFIUS, which can lack focus, state-level measures allow for tailored protections. Hobbs' proposal aligns with a growing recognition that securing food and land is essential to national security.
Business interest groups, often aligned with corporate interests, claim these laws risk discrimination or violate constitutional protections. They warn of deterring allied investors or echoing the racist Alien Land Laws of the early 20th century. Such arguments misrepresent the BAN Act's intent. The policy targets modern geopolitical threats, ensuring it does not discriminate against individuals based on nationality. With legislative oversight and due process, it ensures fairness while addressing urgent risks.
Prosperity Without Compromise
Foreign investment strengthens Arizona's economy, creating jobs and fostering innovation. The BAN Act respects this reality, targeting only hostile entities while welcoming allied capital. By leveraging federal tools like CFIUS alongside state-level rigor, it protects military bases, water resources, and farmland without closing doors to growth. Why risk our security when we can achieve both safety and prosperity?
The intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, marked by trade disputes, technology restrictions, and military posturing, underscores the need for vigilance. Public sentiment, with 81% of Americans viewing China unfavorably in 2024, supports decisive action. Hobbs' BAN Act positions Arizona as a leader in navigating these global challenges, ensuring our state remains resilient.
A Vision for Arizona's Future
Governor Hobbs' veto and the BAN Act signal a commitment to Arizona's security and sovereignty. The risks of foreign adversary ownership, including espionage, resource control, and eroded autonomy, demand action. Weak laws with loopholes won't suffice. The BAN Act provides a clear, principled path forward, balancing security with economic opportunity.
What matters more: fleeting investment gains or the safety of our state? Hobbs' leadership challenges us to choose wisely. Supporting the BAN Act means standing for Arizona's future, showing the nation how to protect our land with resolve and vision. Let's seize this moment and ensure our state remains secure for generations to come.