Wen Raiti, a Chinese American community leader in Jacksonville, Florida, was a Republican for over a decade due to the party’s fiscal conservatism and small government ethos. However, she changed her party affiliation last year after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning Chinese citizens from buying property in Florida. This law, Senate Bill 264, has mobilized the Chinese American community in Florida, with many defecting from the GOP and supporting Democratic candidates.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani highlighted the significant presence of Chinese Americans protesting and advocating against SB 264, which she views as discriminatory. The law imposes restrictions and penalties on Chinese nationals purchasing property in Florida. It has galvanized Chinese Americans to engage in politics and fight against anti-Asian discrimination, with organizations like the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance actively involved in voter education and candidate endorsement.
The discriminatory nature of SB 264 has led to outrage and confusion within the Chinese American community, drawing parallels to historic alien land laws targeting Asian Americans. The legislation has also highlighted the prevalence of anti-communism rhetoric against Chinese Americans, further fueling discontent with the Republican Party. As a result, more Chinese Americans are switching their party affiliations to Democratic.
The growing Asian population in Florida, which has increased by 44% since 2010, is becoming more politically active in response to discriminatory laws like SB 264. While the Republican Party traditionally appealed to Asian Americans for its support of small businesses, the disillusionment with the party’s stance on discriminatory legislation is leading many in the community to seek representation elsewhere.
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