In 2025, Ohio lawmakers introduced House Bill 1 (HB1) and Senate Bill 88 (SB88), legislation that would have prohibited individuals and businesses from so-called "foreign adversary" countries—including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Venezuela—from purchasing property within 25 miles of a military base or critical infrastructure in Ohio.

The definition of “critical infrastructure” is so broad—covering everything from railroads and water treatment facilities to power lines and telephone poles—that these bills would have effectively barred many immigrants from these countries from owning land anywhere in the state.

Leaders of our organizations have devoted tremendous amount of time organizing and supporting the grassroots community effort in resisting HB1 and SB88. These proposals risked fueling racial profiling, xenophobia, and discrimination against immigrant communities across Ohio. Thanks to the efforts of community members, advocates, and allies, both bills successfully did not advance out of committee.