Burmese Businesses in Indianapolis Face Tough Times

In the heart of Indiana, Indianapolis stands out as the city with the biggest Burmese population in the United States. This community, numbering around 30, 000 people, is feeling the pinch from recent policies. Tariffs and a travel ban have made life and business tougher for many. The owner of Chin Brothers Restaurant & Grocery, Than Hre, has seen his profit margin shrink from 35% to just 10% in the past year. This drop is due to higher costs for essential items like rice and spices, which have gone up by as much as 40%. The situation is not unique to Hre. Many Burmese businesses in Indianapolis are struggling. Tariffs on importing goods from Myanmar have soared to 45%, making it hard for these businesses to stay afloat. The travel ban adds another layer of difficulty. It blocks almost all travel and immigration from Myanmar, making it impossible for families to reunite or for students to pursue education in the U. S. This is especially tough given the ongoing civil war and forced conscription in Myanmar. Communication with relatives back home is often cut off due to Wi-Fi blackouts and government restrictions. For many Burmese families in Indianapolis, the journey to the U. S. was one of escape. They fled harsh military rule, ethnic persecution, and civil war in Myanmar. The first wave of refugees arrived after the 1962 military coup, with more coming in the 1980s and 1990s. The largest influx began in the mid-2000s, when the U. S. Refugee Resettlement Program prioritized those escaping religious and ethnic violence, particularly among the Chin, Karen, and Rohingya minorities. Indianapolis became a popular destination for these refugees. Affordable housing, job opportunities, and a strong network of Christian churches made the city attractive. As more Burmese settled in, others followed, drawn by the established community and support systems. However, the current challenges are testing the resilience of these families. At Mommy Thai, owner Tha Zi struggles with rising costs for meat and authentic noodles. She sources most of her ingredients domestically, but tariffs and shipping costs have driven up prices. Zi tries to keep prices low for her mostly family and student customer base, but it's becoming increasingly difficult. She has had to cut back on specialty menu items and watch as regular customers visit less frequently. The travel ban and tariffs are not just economic issues; they have a deep emotional impact. For many, the ban means uncertainty and fear for family members back home. It also means lost opportunities for education and reunification. The situation is complex and intertwined, with economic, political, and personal elements all playing a role. It's a stark reminder of how policies can ripple out and affect communities in ways that go beyond the intended targets.