Will Trump Save Afghan Christian Refugees from Deportation to Taliban Martyrdom?

President Trump’s unwavering defense of Christianity has won him the hearts of evangelical voters across three elections. His commitment to religious liberty is a beacon of hope, yet a troubling shadow looms over his administration’s recent move to demand that Afghan Christian refugees—who fled Taliban persecution—self-deport or face severe consequences. These faithful, who found lawful refuge in the U.S., now receive chilling letters from the Department of Homeland Security, stating: "Your parole is terminated. Depart immediately, or we will find you."

For Afghan Christians, deportation could mean a death sentence. Afghanistan ranks among the world’s most dangerous places for Christians, with the Taliban’s grip tightening since the chaotic 2021 U.S. withdrawal. These refugees, living and working legally in American communities, face the prospect of returning to a regime that may martyr them for their faith. The policy also affects thousands of other lawful immigrants, but the plight of Afghan Christians stands out as particularly dire.

It’s unlikely Trump personally penned these letters. The broad sweep of this directive suggests overzealous officials within Homeland Security acted without fully weighing the consequences. Evangelical leaders like Franklin Graham are urging the president to intervene, and I’m hopeful he’ll heed their call. A sensible step would be to allow these refugees to stay while their asylum claims are fairly reviewed or until Congress passes the Afghan Adjustment Act, which could grant permanent status to thoroughly vetted Afghans.

Trump’s push for border security resonates with evangelicals, who also applaud his swift deportation of criminal immigrants. Yet, they align with his praise for legal immigration—especially for those who, like Afghan Christians, cherish America’s freedoms. Evangelicals, backed by groups like the Southern Baptist Convention, see a moral duty to protect refugees fleeing persecution. Surveys show seven in ten evangelicals, including most Trump voters, support welcoming carefully vetted refugees, particularly those endangered for their faith.

As Trump reviews the refugee resettlement program, nearly 20,000 Christians have signed a statement pressing him to prioritize those persecuted for their beliefs. While we uphold the dignity of all people, the fact remains that most refugees at risk of deportation are Christians, as are the majority of those resettled from the world’s most oppressive regimes. Trump, a champion of the persecuted, has a chance to show his heart by ensuring these Afghan believers aren’t cast back into danger.