STATEMENT: Texas Senate Passes Racist SB 147
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 7, 2023
Contact: Saatvik Ahluwalia
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) advocates and their allies testified against SB 147 on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Despite vocal opposition to the xenophobic bill, Republicans in the state Senate passed the bill on to the House. Instead of making life better for Texans, conservatives continue to focus on culture war issues that demonize already-marginalized communities.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Texas Senate Republicans, ignoring AAPI and allied voices from across the state, have voted to pass SB 147 out of the Senate State Affairs committee - a bill that would prevent immigrants from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing property in the state.
“Over a hundred Asian American and Pacific Islanders from across Texas showed up to the Capitol to voice their opposition to SB147. What the Texas Senate is doing further sows division and racism against minority communities. Instead of stigmatizing these communities, they should be focusing on policies which will meaningfully improve the lives of all Texans.”
- Lily Trieu, Interim Executive Director of Asian Texans for Justice
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Asian Texans For Justice (ATJ) envisions a future where all people feel bold in their belonging. We connect Asian and Pacific Islander Texans to civic action to build personal and political power. For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.