North Carolina Church Fights Deportation of Afghan Christians as DHS Ends Protection Status
by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – A North Carolina church is rallying to protect nearly two dozen Afghan Christian refugees from deportation after the Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, effective July 14.
Julie Tisdale, a seminary student and advocate from Church of the Apostles in Raleigh, has criticized the administration’s decision, saying it endangers believers who face severe persecution — and likely death — if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
“These people are not economic migrants,” Tisdale said in an interview with The Christian Post. “They’re Christians. And for that alone, they are hunted by the Taliban.”
Tisdale has been lobbying members of Congress to intervene, but so far, no one in Washington has emerged as a strong advocate. “We’ve had sympathetic ears, but no champion,” she said. “These believers have already faced torture for converting. If sent back, they will not survive.”
The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, said in a May 14 statement that Afghanistan’s improving security situation no longer meets the criteria for TPS. Noem added that DHS records show some TPS recipients are under investigation for fraud or pose national security concerns.
But Tisdale strongly disputes that narrative. Citing Open Doors’ World Watch List, which ranks Afghanistan as the 10th worst country for Christian persecution, she says any return would be a death sentence. “Conversion is punishable by death. These men and women have already been imprisoned and tortured. The Taliban won’t stop at deportation; they will kill them.”
The affected church members are in various stages of the immigration process — some waiting on green cards, others appealing asylum denials, or applying for legal permanent residency. The church has stepped in to provide financial and logistical support, even covering legal fees and daily transportation for refugee families.
Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, has also raised the issue with lawmakers. “I know this is being discussed at the highest levels,” he said, adding that Senator Lindsey Graham and others have communicated directly with President Trump. “I’ve been told the deadline has been extended so that cases can be reviewed. We’re hopeful.”
Despite assurances, Tisdale remains concerned. “We’re doing all we can,” she said. “But time is running out — and their lives are on the line.”
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