§1502 Previously acquired lands; bona fide resident aliens; mining or incorporated village lands

Summary

Land in the United States Territories that a non‑citizen bought on or before March 3, 1887 is exempt, as long as the same owner, their heirs, or legal representative still hold it. A non‑citizen who becomes a genuine resident of the United States, or who has formally said they intend to become a U.S. citizen in the legal way, may buy and keep land in the Territories on the same terms as U.S. citizens. If a resident non‑citizen stops being a genuine resident, they have ten years from that time to sell the land. The rule also does not stop non‑citizens from owning lots in incorporated or platted towns or owning mines or mining claims in the Territories.