Evangelical Pastor Ara Torosian has recently found himself at the center of a pressing issue that highlights the challenges faced by Christian refugees in the United States. Having fled Iran over a decade ago, Torosian now leads a Farsi-speaking congregation at Cornerstone Church in Los Angeles. His journey to religious freedom has not been without trials, and recent events have brought the plight of Iranian asylum seekers into sharp focus.
In a shocking turn of events, five members of Torosian’s congregation were detained by federal immigration officials, including a couple seeking asylum. The pastor described the incident as traumatic, recalling how the couple was separated from their families and threatened with deportation back to Iran, a country where they would face severe persecution for their Christian faith.
Torosian, who has experienced the harsh realities of religious oppression firsthand, expressed his disbelief at the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. “I believe that America is better than this,” he stated, drawing a painful comparison between the events he witnessed and the oppressive regime he escaped in Tehran. His sentiments resonate with many who have stood in solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world.
The pastor’s distressing experience was captured in a viral video that shows a woman in distress as her husband was arrested just blocks from their church. As Torosian rushed to the scene, he found himself reliving memories of his past in Iran, where fear and oppression were part of daily life. “This behavior reminds me disturbingly of what I fled,” he lamented, emphasizing that most Americans—and particularly evangelical Christians—do not support such actions.
In response to the detentions, Torosian traveled to Washington, D.C., to pray and advocate for the families affected. With the support of organizations like World Relief, he met with lawmakers, urging them to reconsider the treatment of Iranian Christian refugees. “I’m glad that at least they hear what happened to my church members,” he said, hoping for a positive outcome.
The couple in question had initially entered the U.S. under a provision allowing humanitarian status, but their situation became precarious when federal agents claimed their status was no longer valid. This shift raises concerns about the broader implications for many asylum seekers who find themselves caught in a web of changing immigration policies. The Trump administration has been vocal about its stance on immigration, framing its actions as necessary for national security. However, this has left many vulnerable individuals, including Christians fleeing persecution, in a state of uncertainty.
Torosian’s op-ed in the Los Angeles Times highlighted the distressing trend of deportations affecting asylum seekers. He noted that many have received letters instructing them to self-deport, despite having established a lawful basis to remain in the country. The situation is particularly dire for those who, like the couple from his congregation, have embraced Christianity and sought refuge from oppressive regimes.
Among those affected are Afghan Christian asylum seekers who also face the threat of deportation back to a country where they could be persecuted for their beliefs. Prominent evangelical leaders, including Franklin Graham, have voiced their concerns and advocated for these vulnerable groups. Graham has been actively engaging with lawmakers to find solutions for Afghan refugees who are at risk.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the challenges facing Christian refugees in the U.S. are far from resolved. The ongoing dialogue in Congress, including proposed legislation to protect refugees from countries with serious religious freedom violations, is a crucial step toward ensuring that those fleeing persecution can find safety and support.
In a world where faith often comes at a cost, the stories of individuals like Pastor Torosian remind us of the importance of compassion and advocacy for those who seek refuge from oppression. As Christians, we are called to stand with our brothers and sisters facing persecution, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected. The journey toward justice and mercy continues, and it is one that requires our unwavering commitment and prayer.