MOE Study Abroad Alert: Ohio SB1 Impact Analysis & Mitigation Guide

Key Provisions of Ohio SB1  

1. Donation Ban 

   - Prohibits Ohio public universities from accepting gifts/donations from:  

     ▪ PRC government entities  

     ▪ Chinese Communist Party affiliates  

     ▪ PLA-linked organizations  

   *Exemption*: Tuition payments & alumni donations remain permitted  

2. Partnership Restrictions  

   - Terminates existing academic/financial collaborations with Chinese institutions  

   - Applies to 12 Ohio public universities (e.g., Ohio State)  

   *Exclusion*: Private institutions (Case Western Reserve, etc.) unaffected  

Implications & Action Plan  

Affected Groups  

▫ Current Students at Ohio Public Universities  

   - Verify funding sources via university financial disclosures  

   - Request enrollment guarantee in writing  

   - Consider deferral options  

▫ Prospective Applicants  

   - Prioritize institutions with:  

     ✓ Mandarin-speaking ISS offices  

     ✓ Active Chinese student associations  

   - Implement multi-country applications (UK/Canada/Singapore)  

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Visa Risk Mitigation Protocol  

F1 Visa Protection Checklist  

1. Legal Compliance 

   - Avoid:  

     ▪ Traffic violations (speeding tickets included)  

     ▪ Unauthorized employment (≥20hr/week on-campus work)  

     ▪ Political demonstrations  

2. Document Management  

   - Create "Visa Guardian" cloud folder containing:  

     ✓ I-20/SEVIS records  

     ✓ Vaccination proof  

     ✓ Passport scans  

3. Digital Hygiene  

   - Use Brand24 to monitor online presence  

   - Delete politically suggestive content  

Academic Safety Measures

▫ Sensitive Field Alternatives 

   - Replace FTC Robotics with USACO programming  

   - Rephrase research interests:  

     ✖ "Quantum computing" → ✔ "Algorithm optimization"  

▫ **Campus Security Screening**  

   - Use [Campus Safety Tool](ope.ed.gov/campussafety) to filter schools with:  

     ✓ ≤2 anti-Asian hate crimes (past 3 years)  

Emergency Resources  

☎ China Consular Hotline: +86-10-12308  

⚖ AILA Legal Network: [agora.ailalawyer.com](https://agora.ailalawyer.com)  

Critical Reminder:  

This advisory highlights *potential risks*, not blanket prohibitions. Maintain rational judgment and consult certified AIRC advisors for personalized strategies.  

Data sources: Ohio Legislative Service Commission, DHS SEVIS Records  

Last updated: [Current Date]