A North Carolina church is calling on the U.S. government to halt the deportation of Afghan Christian refugees who face severe persecution if returned to their home country.

The Church of the Apostles in Raleigh is rallying behind nearly two dozen Afghan Christians who were granted legal status in the US after fleeing Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, as reported by The Christian Post.

Julie Tisdale, a seminary student and member of the church, has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts, including reaching out to lawmakers and organising public awareness campaigns.

"They've always been here legally and followed all the rules," Tisdale explained.

"We are working tirelessly to ensure their legal status remains intact while raising funds to assist with legal expenses."

The refugees’ plight stems from a broader issue following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

The Biden administration granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Afghan refugees, but in early 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signalled that TPS would not be renewed for many, potentially leading to deportations.

Tisdale, who has heard firsthand accounts of the refugees’ previous torture under the Taliban, emphasised the grave danger they face.

"If deported, they would be tortured and killed for their Christian faith," she said. "They just want to live free from fear and practise their religion."