President Trump faces a critical decision as his administration threatens to deport Afghan Christians back to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan where they face persecution and death for their faith.

At a Glance

• Faith leaders have sent a letter to President Trump and Secretary Noem urging protection for Afghan Christians facing deportation
• Afghan Christians in the U.S. have received DHS notices telling them “It is time for you to leave the United States”
• Afghanistan is classified as one of the most dangerous countries for Christians globally
• The Trump administration has suspended refugee resettlement pending a 90-day review
• Faith leaders praise Trump’s record on religious freedom while asking him to intervene on behalf of Afghan Christians

Christian Leaders Plead with Trump Administration

A coalition of prominent faith leaders has sent an urgent letter to President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calling for protection of Afghan Christians facing imminent deportation. The letter, signed by leaders from conservative Christian organizations including the Family Research Council, highlights the life-threatening consequences these Afghan believers would face if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where conversion from Islam to Christianity is punishable by death.

The signatories, many of whom have consistently supported President Trump’s policies on religious freedom, are asking the administration to maintain humanitarian parole status for Afghan Christians while exploring pathways to permanent legal status. The appeal comes as Afghan Christians have begun receiving notices from the Department of Homeland Security terminating their legal status and instructing them to “depart the United States immediately.”

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— Judith Mendelsohn Rood (@ProfJMRood18) April 25, 2025

A Matter of Life and Death

For Afghan Christians facing deportation, the consequences could be fatal. Afghanistan ranks among the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians according to Open Doors, an organization that tracks religious persecution globally. The Taliban, which now controls Afghanistan, implements a strict interpretation of Sharia law that considers conversion from Islam to Christianity an offense worthy of execution.

“As legitimate reforms to our immigration system are underway, we must make sure to not throw out the baby with the bath water. Humanitarian parole status should be preserved for some of those most in danger, like Muslim-background Christians from Afghanistan, who face death if they are sent home.”, said Travis Weber.

The stark warning from the Department of Homeland Security letters tells recipients: “Do not attempt to remain in the United States – the federal government will find you… depart the United States immediately.” Christian leaders believe these notices were likely sent without fully considering the deadly consequences for Afghan Christians and hope President Trump will intervene before deportations begin.

Balancing Border Security with Religious Freedom

The appeal to the Trump administration highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and America’s longstanding commitment to religious freedom. While President Trump has made border security a cornerstone of his presidency, he has also positioned himself as a defender of persecuted Christians worldwide. The letter acknowledges and praises Trump’s record on advocating for religious freedom while asking him to apply these same principles to Afghan Christians in America.

“The United States has long been a refuge for those fleeing religious persecution. Forcing Afghan Christians to return to a country where their faith puts them at daily risk of death would be a grave moral failure. As people of faith, we must speak out and urge our government to uphold the values of religious freedom and human dignity by offering protection to these vulnerable individuals. We must also ensure that the refugee resettlement program resumes to offer safe haven for those fleeing religious persecution.”, said Chelsea Sobolik.

The Afghan Adjustment Act, currently under consideration, could provide a legislative solution by allowing Afghans with parole to apply for permanent legal status after passing stringent vetting processes. Faith leaders are urging President Trump to support this measure while halting deportations of Afghan Christians in the interim.

Evangelical Support for Persecuted Christians

Evangelical Christians, a key component of President Trump’s base, have consistently advocated for protecting those persecuted for their faith. The Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest Protestant denomination, has formally expressed support for welcoming refugees fleeing religious persecution. Several polls indicate that a significant number of evangelical Christians believe the United States has a moral responsibility to receive refugees, particularly those facing persecution for their Christian faith.

Bryant Wright, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, emphasized President Trump’s commitment to defending Christianity while calling on him to extend that protection to Afghan Christians. “President Trump is not shy about defending Christianity,” Wright noted, underscoring the disconnect between the administration’s stated values and the current deportation threats facing Afghan believers who would almost certainly face martyrdom if returned to Afghanistan.

“President Trump has rightly called attention to anti-Christian bias. One of the areas in which this bias must be rooted out are the refugee and asylum programs of the United States, many other Western countries, and that of the United Nations.”, said Travis Weber.

As the administration reviews its refugee policies during the 90-day suspension period, faith leaders are imploring President Trump to demonstrate consistency in his commitment to religious freedom by ensuring Afghan Christians are protected from deportation to a country where their faith would cost them their lives.