An Arkansas judge blocks laws targeting foreign crypto miners, protecting a Chinese-American’s right to run a cryptocurrency mining business.
Arkansas State officials were temporarily prevented by a U.S. federal judge in Little Rock, Arkansas, from preventing a Chinese-American naturalized citizen from running a cryptocurrency mining business.
According to the Arkansas Advocate, Chief US District Judge Kristine Baker issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on November 25 in an Arkansas case against cryptocurrency mining company Jones Eagle.
Acts 636 of 2023 and 174 of 2024, which target Chinese-owned companies and property, served as the foundation for the case.
Act 174 forbids foreign entities from owning digital asset mining activities, while Act 636 forbids businesses or persons with ties to the Chinese government from owning real estate in Arkansas.
Victim Of Cryptocurrency Mining Restriction In China
The state claimed in the case that Qimin “Jimmy” Chen, a Chinese man, was the owner of the crypto miner and called for its permanent closure.
Nonetheless, the defendant, a naturalized US citizen residing in New York, had applied for the TRO on the grounds of unlawful national origin discrimination.
The court records state that Chen, through Eagle Asset Holding, is the sole owner of the crypto-mining company.
Crypto Miner Is Ready For Legal War
A court hearing will be conducted to address a preliminary injunction and an extension of the restraining order to prevent the state of Arkansas from taking action against the naturalized US citizen after the 14-day temporary restraint expires.
Alex Jones, Chen’s lawyer, stated:
“The TRO and preliminary injunction will prevent further harm to our client while we prepare for a trial on the merits where we will get to fully present our case as to why the laws are unconstitutional and reflect legislative overreach.”
Chen claimed to have previously provided the attorney general with documentation demonstrating that the cryptocurrency mining website was not situated on agricultural property.
Additionally, he attempted to speak with state officials about his citizenship status but was turned down.
Attorney General Tim Griffin stated in a statement, “I have been looking into a lot of cryptocurrency mining operations and just trying to find the facts, but not all of the entities have cooperated fully.”
