Federal Grant to Strengthen BACI’s Civic Education and Naturalization Services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grant will help BACI’s Educational Programs to train at least 600 Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in English, U.S. History and Civics as well as assist them in becoming Naturalized and Civically Engaged Citizens.

INDIANAPOLIS, October 1, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a grant in the amount of $300,000 to the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) to assist newcomers in becoming integrated and successful citizens.

“The BACI’s work helps legal permanent residents better navigate their lives in the U.S.,” said Congressman André Carson (IN-07). “Our community thrives when it is generous, diverse, and welcoming. I am grateful that this funding will help more Central Indiana residents fulfill their American dream.”

America: Land of the Free, Home of the Brave —the United States, known for being the world leader in responding to emerging global issues, including providing refugee protection and humanitarian assistance, has welcomed more than 3.4 million immigrants with open arms since 1975. As of June 30, 2022, 182,329 Burmese refugees have been admitted to the United States since 2000. While over 40,000 Burmese individuals are residing in Indiana, nearly 27,000 of them are calling Indianapolis their new home. The overall Burmese population in the U.S. is estimated to be over 317,000.

Hundreds of Burmese have also resettled in the U.S. through the U.S. Department of State Humanitarian Parole Program in the aftermath of the military coup d’état in Myanmar which took place on Feb 1, 2021.

Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of the BACI, said, “the community always appreciates the opportunity they were given to start their new lives in America”.

“We are grateful for the U.S. leadership in helping address some of the most pressing interconnected global issues through the promotion of democracy, diplomacy, and development,” said Mr. Vahnie, who also serves as Principal Investigator of the grant. “While the U.S. must continue to uphold its tradition and democratic values, including extending a helping hand to the helpless through thoughtful policy formulation and humanitarian legal protection, like is done through this program—which helps ensure newcomers are not only becoming integrated but that they also become part of this vibrant and productive society—we also hope that the U.S. will do more to address the root causes of the influx of refugees and immigrants”.

“In this effort, we remain fully committed to strengthening collaborative partnerships with our national, state and local actors”, Vahnie continues. 

In response to the global humanitarian crises, the Burmese American Community Institute has joined with other agencies in the U.S. and has been welcoming and resettling both Afghan and Ukrainian parolees since last year.

Empowering new Americans with security in their rights and liberties by providing English and Citizenship instruction, including rights and responsibilities education, along with Green Card and Citizenship application assistance, BACI has served more than 7,000 newcomers through its Civic and Cultural Education Program (CCEP) in collaboration with its partners. ###

BACI’s Civic and Cultural Education Program (CCEP) empowers new Americans with security in their rights and liberties by holding immigration information sessions in partnership with USCIS, in addition to providing English and civic education and naturalization services, and by encouraging community members to be active and engaged citizens.

Reflective of the need for a unique and a more strategic multi-faceted approach approach, with a vision of education for all, a stronger community, BACI also promotes a greater understanding among incoming and receiving communities, and advocates for cohesive, vibrant, and integrated communities at various levels by engaging with stakeholders and policymakers in partnership with educational institutions, businesses, service providers, and members of our shared community.

About BACI
The Burmese American Community Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. The BACI supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through strategic partnerships and advocacy. Since its inception, the BACI has assisted over 17,000+ individuals through its direct service provisions.

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