President Trump has been vocal about his commitment to protecting Christianity, and this strong stance is a major reason many evangelicals supported him in three successive elections. While I appreciate his dedication to religious freedom, I have some concerns regarding recent actions by his administration that might cause Afghan Christians to self-report to authorities, risking criminal charges, fines, or even deportation.
Recently, Afghan Christians who entered the U.S. legally have received alarming letters stating, “It’s time to leave the United States.” This notice claims that the Department of Homeland Security is terminating their legal parole status. The message is clear: “Don’t try to stay in the US. The federal government will find you… we will leave soon.”
Letters like this have reportedly gone out to many others who entered the U.S. legally in recent years, but the situation for Afghan Christians is particularly dire. Deportation could lead to severe persecution. Open Door ranks Afghanistan among the ten most dangerous countries for Christians, a situation that worsened after the Biden administration’s chaotic withdrawal in 2021 and the Taliban’s rise to power.
The letters were likely not authored by President Trump himself but seem to be a standard communication from the Department of Homeland Security, possibly without full consideration of their impact. I hope that as the administration hears from evangelical leaders like Franklin Graham, there will be a reconsideration, allowing Afghan Christians to remain legally in the U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham is working on a bill that, at the very least, would pause deportations until asylum applications are fairly processed or until Congress passes legislation addressing the status of Afghans.
Trump’s focus on border security is certainly justified and appreciated by many evangelical Christians. They generally support the deportation of immigrants with violent criminal records.
However, evangelicals also resonate with Trump’s acknowledgment of the legal immigrants who come “with love for the country,” such as those fleeing religious persecution from places like Afghanistan and Iran. Many in this country deeply cherish their new homes. Evangelical Christians wish to keep the pathway open for well-vetted refugees, especially Christians facing persecution. Last year, about 30,000 Christian refugees were resettled from various countries, highlighting the severe persecution Christians currently face around the globe.
My denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), consistently emphasizes the Biblical call to welcome refugees who have fled persecution for reasons like religion or political beliefs. A survey indicated that seven out of ten evangelical Christians, including a significant number of Trump voters, feel the U.S. has a moral obligation to accept refugees. Following a 90-day review of refugee resettlement policies, nearly 20,000 Christians, along with many prominent evangelical leaders, urged the administration to resume resettlement for those being persecuted for their faith.
Christians are called to care for those endangered by persecution, not just fellow believers but all people made in God’s image. Interestingly, recent refugee resettlements have included a significant number of Christians, particularly among those now at risk of deportation.
President Trump values legal immigration and understands the importance of supporting persecuted Christians. I sincerely hope he listens to the concerns of evangelical voters, takes a hard look at his administration’s actions, and takes steps to protect Afghan Christians and others facing faith-based persecution.
