State and Federal Legal Regulation of Alien and Corporate Land Ownership and Farm Operation

Existing State and Federal regulation of alien and corporate ownership of farmland and operation of farms in the United States is examined. Few States have substantial regulation of alien investment in real estate, and even in these States, constitutional and practical limitations blunt its effectiveness. There is no generally applicable Federal regulation of alien investment, although some Federal laws limit sale or lease of Federal property to aliens and other laws restrict dealings with hostile aliens. Six States have substantial limitations on corporate ownership of farmland or involvement in farming operations. There are no Federal laws in this area