46:3-18. Aliens; "alien friend" defined; right to acquire, hold and transfer real estate

Alien friends shall have the same rights, powers and privileges and be subject to the same burdens, duties, liabilities and restrictions in respect of real estate situate in this State as native-born citizens. Any alien who shall be domiciled and resident in the United States and licensed or permitted by the government of the United States to remain in and engage in business transactions in the United States, and who shall not be arrested or interned or his property taken by the United States, shall be considered an alien friend within the meaning of this act.

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to:

a. Entitle any alien to be elected into any office of trust or profit in this State, or to vote at any town meeting or election of members of the Senate and General Assembly, or other officers, within this State, or for Representatives in Congress or electors of the President and Vice-President of the United States; or

b. Prevent the sequestration, seizure or disposal by either the State or National government of any real estate or interest therein so long as the same is owned or held by any alien, made pursuant to duly enacted legislation, during the continuance of war between the United States and the government of the country of which any such alien is a citizen or subject; but any bona fide conveyance, mortgage or devise made by such alien shall be valid, if made to a citizen of the United States or to an alien friend.

Amended by L.1943, c. 145, p. 395, s. 1, eff. April 8, 1943.