Turning Lemonade into Homes

Something special happened in our neighborhood this month. Local families came together and raised $190 for the Refuge! Their generosity will go directly toward preparing rooms that will soon welcome immigrant families. Each dollar is helping turn walls and floors into a true home, and we’re excited to see our community rallying to make this vision a reality.

Immigration Updates

USCIS Fee Increase

As of August 21, USCIS has implemented new application fees. Applicants must now pay $100 for initial applications, and renewals will also cost $100 each year. In addition, several other immigration applications have had fees added or adjusted.

More details from USCIS

Indiana House Bill 1531 Not Passed

A recent bill in Indiana, HB 1531, did not pass. This bill would have required local police forces to cooperate with ICE and penalized employers who hired immigrants with expired work authorizations. The failure of this bill is a significant update for immigrant families and advocates across the state.

Bill details

Key Immigration Bills to Watch

• Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393) – A bipartisan proposal that could reduce the green card backlog by 2035, raise per-country visa caps, and give long-term applicants an option to expedite cases by paying $20,000.

  
  

• Laken Riley Act – Signed into law in January 2025, this requires mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with certain crimes and allows states to sue DHS if it doesn’t enforce detainers.

Culture Fest: A Gathering of Neighbors

Saturday, September 13, 2025 |  10:00 AM–2:00 PM📍 Corner of Clay & Berry Streets, Downtown Fort Wayne

Kick off Welcoming Week with this vibrant community celebration! Enjoy live performances, an artisan & entrepreneur market, a resource fair, food trucks, and plenty of kids’ activities. A perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors from all walks of life.

Learn More & RSVP

Welcoming Week Fort Wayne

September 12–21, 2025 | 📍 Citywide

Fort Wayne joins cities across the country in celebrating Welcoming Week—a slate of multicultural programs designed to bring newcomers and long-time residents together. Events include workshops, legal clinics, library tours, family nights, and more.

View the Full Schedule

 Questions? Want to Sponsor a Room?Call us at 260-800-1558 or email TheRefugeFW@gmail.com

 You Make This PossibleEvery sponsored room brings a family closer to safety and belonging.

 therefugefw.com Share this opportunity with a friend Want to feature your church, business, or organization? Reach out today!

  Copyright (C) 2025 The Refuge. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is:    3901 S Wayne Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807

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