This Holy Week, a critical situation unfolds for Afghan Christians residing in the US. Facing imminent deportation back to a country where they risk torture and death under Taliban rule, faith leaders are urgently calling on the Trump administration to intervene.
The Department of Homeland Security’s recent decision to terminate humanitarian parole for Afghan nationals has left thousands facing expulsion, including hundreds of Christians who converted after the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan. While initial reports incorrectly cited the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), internal DHS memos and advocacy groups clarify that humanitarian parole was the actual basis for deportation. This affects approximately 9,000 Afghans awaiting special immigrant visas (SIVs) or asylum adjudication.
Faith leaders have sent a powerful plea to President Trump, urging a 90-day moratorium on deportations to allow time for the establishment of legal pathways or protective measures. Their proposal includes a carefully vetted list of at-risk Christians to aid the DHS in reinstating humanitarian protections or expediting the SIV/asylum processes. The urgency is heightened by the fact that many of these individuals have already filed for asylum, yet still received deportation notices.
The Enduring Hope Alliance (EHA), a coalition of churches, veterans, and aid organizations, has been instrumental in resettling over a thousand Afghan Christians and US military allies since the Biden administration’s withdrawal. They’ve dedicated considerable resources and volunteer hours to this effort, and now fear this progress will be undone. The EHA, along with other Christian leaders and advocacy groups, strongly emphasizes that this isn’t merely a legal issue but a matter of profound moral concern, especially given the timing of the deportations during Holy Week.
This situation has also prompted a response from prominent figures such as Reverend Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. While not initially discussed at the White House, Graham suggests there may be an extension until July to address the visa issue. However, DHS has not confirmed this publicly, and multiple Afghan Christians have received seven-day expulsion orders. The gravity of the situation is underscored by independent reports confirming that Afghan Christians are specifically targeted under Taliban rule, with conversion from Islam considered apostasy, punishable by death.
Experts like Josh Youssef, founder of Help The Persecuted, argue that the deportations violate both US values and international law. He believes President Trump has an opportunity to rectify the failings of the Biden administration’s withdrawal, showcasing compassion and leadership by safeguarding those facing imminent death for their faith. The call to action is clear: prevent a potential modern-day crucifixion, and demonstrate that the US will not abandon those who have risked their lives for their beliefs.
