Afghan Pastor Warns of Taliban Revenge After Refugee Protections End

An Afghan pastor is pleading with President Trump, warning of potential Taliban revenge against Christian converts if refugee protections are revoked. The pastor, who leads a congregation primarily composed of Afghan Christian refugees, fears these individuals will be deported back to Afghanistan where they could face severe persecution and even death at the hands of the Taliban.

"These are people who have converted to Christianity and face extreme danger in Afghanistan," the pastor stated. "The Taliban views them as apostates, and the consequences for apostasy are dire."

The pastor's plea comes after the Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, a decision that could impact thousands of Afghans currently residing in the United States. The administration argues that conditions in Afghanistan have improved sufficiently to allow for safe repatriation.

However, the pastor and other advocates for Afghan refugees strongly disagree, pointing to the ongoing violence and instability in the country, particularly the continued presence and influence of the Taliban. They argue that Christian converts are especially vulnerable because their conversion is seen as a betrayal of Islam, making them targets for both the Taliban and other extremist groups.

"We are asking President Trump to show compassion and protect these vulnerable individuals," the pastor said. "Deporting them back to Afghanistan would be a death sentence."
The pastor and his supporters are urging the administration to reconsider its decision and find a way to provide continued protection for Afghan Christian refugees.