The Texas House gave approval Friday to a controversial bill that would restrict land purchases by people from certain foreign countries— drawing strong criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who compared the legislation to historical injustices like Japanese internment during World War II .

AUSTIN – The Texas House is set to debate a bill today that would ban citizens of nations deemed hostile to the U.S, including China, from owning certain properties in the state.

Senate Bill 17 was amended to allow the governor to add to the list of countries whose residents would be prevented from buying property.