An attorney wants a federal court to overturn a Florida law that she says discriminates against Chinese citizens by barring their purchase of real estate in much of the state.

A U.S. appeals court on Friday appeared divided over whether to block a Florida law barring Chinese citizens from owning homes or land in the state, which Republican state officials say is necessary to combat the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.

A three-judge panel heard arguments from a group of Chinese immigrants living in Florida who want to buy homes. They claim the law unconstitutionally discriminates against them based on their national origin.