Fort Wayne Burmese Statuses and Enforcement Concerns
Fort Wayne has been blessed to be home to one of the largest Burmese communities in the United States, with some estimates indicating that more than 20,000 Burmese immigrants reside here. In recent weeks, concern and public attention have increased following reports of the upcoming expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burmese nationals, as well as broader fears tied to heightened immigration enforcement nationwide. As both a DOJ-Accredited organization, authorized to practice immigration legal services, and the Refugee Resettlement Agency for the region, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend understands the anxiety these developments have caused. We have directly resettled and served 4,773 Burmese individuals since 1993, and we remain deeply committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of our Burmese brothers and sisters.
Recently, unsubstantiated rumors circulating on social media and within community circles have suggested the possibility of a large-scale ICE enforcement operation in Fort Wayne after January 26. At this time, there is no verified or credible information confirming such an operation. However, while these rumors remain unconfirmed, the fear they have generated is very real, particularly in light of uncertainty surrounding TPS and broader enforcement trends.
This resource is intended to address misinformation, clarify who is impacted and who is not, and share practical guidance so our community can move forward together with clarity rather than fear.
TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS (TPS):
What You Need to Know
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian protection granted by the U.S. government to certain nationals of designated countries when conditions in that country make it temporarily unsafe to return. TPS does not apply to all nationals of a country - it applies only to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.
Key facts:
TPS for Burma was first designated in 2021, following the military coup and subsequent instability.
TPS applies only to individuals who:
o Were already physically present in the United States by a specific date, and
o Successfully applied and approved for TPS.
TPS does not apply to refugees, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or U.S. citizens.
Scope of impact:
The total Burmese population in the United States is estimated at approximately 275,000 individuals.
Of those, approximately 4,000 individuals nationwide are registered as TPS recipients.
This means that about 1.5% of Burmese individuals nationwide are impacted by the expiration of TPS.
In Fort Wayne specifically, the Burmese population has a significantly higher proportion of individuals who arrived through refugee resettlement, meaning the percentage of individuals locally affected by TPS changes is likely below 1%.
Important clarification:
The expiration of TPS does not automatically result in deportation. Individuals whose TPS expires may have other forms of lawful status or immigration options available. Anyone currently holding or formerly holding TPS should consult with a qualified immigration attorney or a DOJ-recognized organization, such as Catholic Charities, to understand their individual situation before taking any action.
REFUGEES, LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS, AND CITIZENS:
Who Is Not Affected by TPS
A significant portion of Fort Wayne’s Burmese community arrived through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and are not impacted by TPS changes.
A refugee is an individual who:
Was identified by the United Nations as facing serious threats due to persecution
Fled their home country and sought protection in a third country or refugee camp
Applied for refugee status through the UN and U.S. government
Passed extensive U.S. Department of Homeland Security background checks
Completed required medical screenings
Was admitted to the United States through the formal USRAP process
Was received by a local resettlement agency, such as Catholic Charities, which provided integration and self-sufficiency services
Refugees’ legal protections:
Refugees are lawfully present in the United States.
Refugees are required by law to apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card) one year after arrival.
Many Burmese refugees in Fort Wayne are now lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens.
Refugees, green card holders, and U.S. citizens are NOT impacted by TPS expiration.
Important Note:
If you arrived as a refugee and have not yet applied for permanent residency after one year, it is important to speak with an immigration attorney or DOJ-recognized organization to assess your eligibility and any potential risks.
ADDRESSING FEARS:
Profiling and Enforcement
We want to be clear: we do not wish to spread fear or validate unverified rumors. At the same time, we acknowledge the very real concerns being expressed within the Burmese community and among allies.
Fear is heightened when misinformation spreads, particularly when communities of color and immigrant communities have historically experienced discrimination, profiling, and enforcement practices that go beyond stated policy. Even individuals who are lawfully present, including refugees, permanent residents, and U.S. citizens, can feel vulnerable when enforcement rhetoric intensifies. This is why accurate information and preparedness are essential.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (KYR):
What Everyone Should Know
Regardless of immigration status, everyone in the United States has constitutional rights:
You have the right to remain silent.
You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
You do not have to open your door to law enforcement unless they present a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge (not an ICE administrative warrant).
You have the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions or signing any documents.
You should never sign documents you do not understand.
We strongly encourage families to:
Keep important documents in a safe place
Identify a trusted emergency contact
Seek legal advice before making any immigration-related decisions
Catholic Charities is currently preparing additional community-specific resources and educational materials to help families understand their rights and options.
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of solidarity shown toward the Burmese community in Fort Wayne. At the same time, we urge community members to rely on verified information and trusted legal sources rather than social media speculation.
Catholic Charities remains committed to walking alongside our Burmese brothers and sisters with compassion, accuracy, and advocacy. We will continue to provide updates and resources as more verified information becomes available.
If you have questions or concerns about your immigration status, we encourage you to contact a qualified immigration attorney or a DOJ-recognized organization.
I Am From Burma and I’m Worried:
What should I do if I’m stopped by ICE?
I arrived as a refugee, but I have naturalized.
Congratulations! You are a U.S. citizen. We recommend that you carry your state ID for identification purposes, and if asked by ICE verbalize that you are a U.S. citizen.
I arrived as a refugee, but I have a greencard.
You are a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States. We recommend that you carry a clear photocopy of your current LPR card (greencard) on you at all times and renew your residency as required by law.
I arrived as a refugee and I filed for my greencard, but it is still processing.
If you have a pending application for Legal Residency, we recommend that you carry a copy or your I-485 receipt notice on your person at all times in addition to your unexpired state ID or Work Permit.
I arrived as a refugee and I have been here for over one year, but I never applied for my greencard.
We recommend you contact a qualified legal representative, such as an immigration attorney or a DOJ Recognized Organization to begin the process of applying for legal residency as soon as possible. A qualified legal practitioner can assist you with the screening, preparation, and submission of your application.
I am Burmese but I was never a resident. I am unsure of my legal status, or it is ending soon.
We recommend that you contact a qualified legal representative, such as an immigration attorney or a DOJ-recognized organization, to review your situation and screen for any potential immigration relief.
I am not a refugee, but I’m worried about my neighbors.
What can I do to help?
If you have a friend, relative, or acquaintance who has expressed concern regarding their legal immigration situation, encourage them to seek help from a qualified legal organization.
DO NOT assist an immigrant or refugee in completing legal documents relating to their immigration status if you are not an immigration attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative. Well-intentioned but inaccurate submissions can have serious and irrevocable repercussions on an individual’s case.
Donate or volunteer for a local, reputable organization that serves refugees and immigrants in our community, such as Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.