It’s no secret that the Texas economy is one of the largest economies in the world, and that Texas is one of the friendliest places to do business. According to the Office of the Texas Governor, “There are already more than 1,900 foreign corporations doing business in the state—a number that only continues to grow as more and more international firms choose Texas for their next business investment” (2023). While Texas welcomes foreign corporations who wish to invest in our economy, some lawmakers are concerned about the sincerity of their actions. House Bill (HB) 243 seeks to grant the Texas attorney general the power “to acquire by eminent domain certain real property owned by aliens or foreign entities” in order to ensure that laws are not broken and that Texas’s critical infrastructure is protected (HB 243, 2025, p. 1). Eminent domain is “the right or power of a sovereign state to appropriate private property for the promotion of the general welfare” (Tex. Highway Dep’t v. Weber, 1949). In Texas, this power is exercised by state and local governments, as well as private entities in limited circumstances. As global dynamics intensify, the ownership of real property—especially real property in proximity to critical infrastructure by foreign entities—poses potential security risks and legal challenges. By enabling state intervention when properties are used unlawfully or when essential infrastructure are threatened, this legislation seeks to safeguard state interests and to maintain the integrity of vital systems. HB 243 ensures that foreign ownership does not compromise the safety and functionality of assets fundamental to Texas’s economy and public welfare.
Greg Sindelar’s Keynote Speech at the American Society of Mexico
American Society of Mexico – Keynote Speech By Greg Sindelar, Chief Executive Officer, Texas Public Policy Foundation I want to thank the American Society of Mexico for the opportunity to speak with you all today. I also want to personally thank Larry Rubin, Glenn Hamer, and all the American Society team for their friendship, their...