The new Constitution of the Republic of Haiti, ratified under the
American Occupation, altered the former Constitution in regard to the
important subject of the right of foreigners to hold land. Article 6 of
the old Constitution reads:
No one, unless he is a Haitian, may be a holder of land in
Haiti, regardless of what his title may be, nor acquire any
real estate.
Article 5 of the Constitution of 1918 makes the following provision:
The right to hold property is given to foreigners residing in
Haiti, and to societies formed by foreigners, for dwelling
purposes and for agricultural, commercial, industrial, or
educational enterprises. This right shall be discontinued five
years after the foreigner shall have ceased to reside in the
country, or when the activities of these companies shall have
ceased.