A recent federal court ruling has put a spotlight on the contentious issue of foreign influence in American politics.
U.S. District Judge Michael Watson blocked enforcement of an Ohio law that aimed to restrict foreign nationals and green card holders from contributing to ballot measure campaigns. This decision has sparked debate about the balance between national security concerns and First Amendment rights.
The Ohio law, enacted in June, sought to ban foreign nationals from donating to state ballot issue campaigns. It went a step further by including green card holders in this prohibition. The legislation also shifted investigative powers for such matters from the state election commission to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Judge Watson’s ruling focused on the rights of lawful permanent residents, often referred to as green card holders. He argued that these individuals, who can serve in the U.S. military, should have the right to express their political views through financial contributions.
In his decision, Watson drew a striking parallel between military service and political participation. He wrote, “Where is the danger of people beholden to foreign interests higher than in the U.S. military? Nowhere.”
This comparison spells out the judge’s view that if green card holders are trusted to serve in the armed forces, they should also be trusted to engage in political spending.
The judge also emphasized the importance of free speech rights for all residents. He stated that it would be “absurd” to allow or require lawful permanent residents “to fight and die for this country” while preventing them from making even small expenditures to express their political views, such as buying a yard sign.
This ruling touches on a broader national conversation about foreign influence in American politics. The Ohio law was reportedly inspired by concerns over donations from foreign billionaires like Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss national living in Wyoming who has contributed to nonprofits that influence U.S. politics and ballot measures.
It’s important to note that the court’s decision does not affect existing laws prohibiting non-citizens from voting in U.S. elections or donating to political candidates. Instead, it focuses specifically on ballot measure campaigns.
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The ruling has not gone unchallenged. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Attorney General Dave Yost have filed an appeal against the preliminary injunction. This suggests that the debate over foreign influence in state-level politics is far from settled.