A Plea for Afghan Christians: Balancing Border Security with Religious Freedom
The relationship between President Trump and the evangelical community has been a cornerstone of his political success. His unwavering commitment to defending Christianity and protecting Christians from persecution has resonated deeply with this significant voting bloc, leading to their strong support in multiple elections. While this commitment is commendable and appreciated, recent actions by his administration regarding Afghan Christians demand a closer examination and, ultimately, a reversal.
Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security’s recent letters threatening Afghan Christians with immediate self-deportation, or face criminal prosecution, fines and deportation to Afghanistan, presents a grave contradiction to the President’s stated dedication to protecting persecuted Christians. These letters, delivered to individuals who were lawfully admitted to the United States and have been living and working peacefully in communities across the country, abruptly terminate their parole, the legal mechanism that allowed their safe entry and stay. The stark message – "It is time for you to leave the United States…depart the United States immediately" – is not only alarming but also potentially a death sentence for those being sent back to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, as recognized by organizations like Open Doors, is among the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. The situation has only worsened since the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in 2021, leaving the Taliban in power. For Afghan Christians, deportation is not merely a change of residence; it is a likely path to persecution, imprisonment, or even martyrdom for their faith.
It is difficult to believe that President Trump himself directly authorized this action. More likely, it stemmed from a decision within the Department of Homeland Security, perhaps driven by an overzealous focus on border security without considering the dire consequences for this vulnerable population. It is imperative that the President intervene and override this decision, allowing Afghan Christians to remain in the United States, at least long enough to pursue asylum requests or until Congress can pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. This bipartisan bill, championed by figures like Senator Lindsey Graham, would provide a pathway to permanent legal status for Afghans with parole, subject to rigorous vetting processes.
While prioritizing border security is undeniably important, and progress has been made in this area, it should not come at the expense of fundamental humanitarian principles and the protection of religious freedom. The vast majority of evangelicals support secure borders and the deportation of immigrants convicted of violent crimes. However, they also believe in legal immigration and recognize the value of individuals who come to the country with a deep appreciation for its values.
Afghans fleeing religious persecution exemplify this ideal. They love America for its promise of freedom and opportunity, a promise that should not be rescinded at the moment they need it most. Evangelical Christians overwhelmingly support keeping the country’s doors open to carefully vetted refugees, including Christians from countries like Afghanistan and Iran who face persecution and even death for their beliefs. In the past year alone, tens of thousands of Christian refugees have been resettled from countries where their faith puts them at extreme risk.
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, has repeatedly affirmed the biblical mandate to welcome refugees, individuals who have been lawfully admitted after fleeing persecution based on religion, race, or political opinion. Surveys consistently show that a majority of evangelical Christians, including a significant portion of those who voted for President Trump, believe that the United States has a moral obligation to receive refugees.
While the focus is understandably on protecting fellow Christians, it’s also important to affirm the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of their faith. The commitment to protecting those at risk of persecution should extend to all individuals facing such threats. However, the reality is that a significant proportion of refugees resettled in recent years, and a large majority of those currently facing deportation, are Christians.
President Trump has consistently expressed his support for legal immigration and his dedication to protecting persecuted Christians. This is why it is crucial that he listens to the concerns of evangelical voters and reverses this misguided decision. By doing so, he can uphold his commitment to religious freedom, reaffirm America’s role as a beacon of hope for the persecuted, and ensure that Afghan Christians are not unjustly returned to a country where their lives are at grave risk. It is time to prioritize compassion and align border security measures with the values of religious freedom and humanitarianism.
