In early times the laws of every country bore very hardly on all aliens. At the present time, in most jurisdictions an alien who is not an alien enemy, has full power to contract and to sue or be sued on such contracts. In many states of the Union a non-resident alien cannot acquire or hold real estate.33 In states where this rule prevails, however, if land descends to him, he is generally allowed a certain length of time to dispose of such property. In case of war between the United States and any foreign country, the citizens of that country become impressed with the enemy character and cannot in theory make any new contract, or enforce any existing contract during the continuance of hostilities.34 In practice, however, this rule is not strictly enforced. An alien enemy may be sued in the courts of our country and in such case he may appear in defense. 35 In case of war any country has the right to confiscate the debts owed by its citizens to any citizen of the hostile country.36