An alien holds no lands.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) At common law, an alien could not hold freehold land — the capacity to own real property was tied to allegiance, and one who owed no allegiance could acquire no estate.

Where this applies

• At common law, a foreign national who owed no allegiance to the crown could not hold freehold land in England.
• An immigrant who had not yet been naturalized was historically barred from owning real property because land ownership was tied to allegiance.
• A merchant from a foreign country tried to buy farmland but was told that without citizenship or allegiance, the law did not recognize his capacity to hold title.