A Pastor’s Call for Help: Protecting Iranian Christians Facing Deportation
In Los Angeles, Pastor Ara Torosian delivers an urgent message to his congregation. If you’re detained by immigration officers, “first, call your lawyer, and second, call your pastor.” Recently, two families reached out to him—they were in ICE custody. Many Iranian Christians like them face the threat of deportation, which could lead to dire consequences back home.
“They, like many other Iranian Christians, fled persecution,” Torosian explained. In Iran, Christians who convert from Islam often encounter severe discrimination. They could end up imprisoned if sent back.
Among these families is one who used an app known as CBP One to schedule asylum in the United States. Under the Biden administration, this app helped people enter legally, but the Trump administration later closed this avenue, ordering those who had used it to self-deport.
Torosian shared that one couple was recently released but now faces strict monitoring with ankle monitors while others remain in various detention facilities. This situation is not just about immigration; it’s also about the religious freedom that the U.S. has long symbolized.
According to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Christian communities around the world are often targeted. The adjustments to U.S. immigration policies prioritize national security, often leaving vulnerable groups without adequate protection. For instance, the halt on refugee admissions impacts not only Christians but also others seeking sanctuary.
In a recent report by World Relief, it was noted that over 10 million Christian immigrants in the U.S. are at risk of deportation. Among them, 8% are directly affected, either lacking legal status or living with someone who does. Christians made up the majority of refugee admissions in past years, particularly from countries where they face persecution.
A significant aspect of this crisis is the legal maze that asylum seekers must navigate. Advocacy groups, including World Relief, emphasize that these individuals often have nowhere safe to turn. Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy for World Relief, pointed out that “everyone wants to stay home when they can,” but fear often forces families to flee.
An Afghan Christian shared a similar story. After escaping the Taliban’s regime, he entered the U.S. through the same app and has been waiting over six months for an update on his asylum application. “We can’t sleep,” he said, living in constant fear of deportation.
Public opinion on immigration remains divided. Recent polling shows that while some Christian organizations criticize the harsh immigration policies, many white Christians approve of Trump’s approach. This discrepancy reveals the complexities and challenges that faith groups face in advocating for change.
As and when faith leaders like Torosian engage with lawmakers, their voices resonate with those trapped in uncertainty. Torosian, having experienced the same struggles as a refugee, emphasizes solidarity. “If they are in prison, I am in prison,” he said.
The fight for religious freedom and protection continues. Advocacy is key, as many families hope for a more just and compassionate immigration system that recognizes their need for safety and faith.
For further insights on the current refugee crisis, you might visit the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom’s website.
