Taking a Stand for Refugees: A Tale of Faith and Perseverance
U.S. military town's Afghan refugees worry over Trump's policies and Christian aid organizations express concerns
Stumbling upon a chance to make a difference, Kat Renfroe, a devoted parishioner, signed up to tutor young Afghan refugees, establishing a bond that would forever alter the course of her life. The connection hit close to home, as her husband - a retired Marine Corps veteran with four tours in Afghanistan - shared a special affection for the people of the trouble-torn country.
Fast forward seven years: Renfroe is not just a tutor but a beacon of hope for countless refugees, now working tirelessly as the Fredericksburg migration and refugee services office supervisor for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington.
But her career path took a dramatic turn when President Donald Trump imposed his hardline immigration policies, freezing federal funds for the programs and banning the majority of incoming refugees in January 2025. This draconian move resulted in local resettlement agencies across the country being forced to ax jobs or shut their doors entirely.
In this Virgina region, where military ties and Afghan communities coexist harmoniously, the reverberations of these decisions hit deeply. Situated south of Washington D.C. and nestled among military bases, Fredericksburg and its surrounding counties house tens of thousands of veterans and active military personnel.
A haven for Afghans
Virginia has greeted more Afghan refugees per capita than any other state, making the region a hub for those seeking refuge. Today, the community boasts vibrant halal markets, Afghan restaurants, and school outreach programs catering to families who speak Dari and Pashto.
Unfortunately, many of these U.S.-based Afghans are still waiting for their loved ones to join them, with hopes plunged into indefinite limbo. Afraid of a new travel ban that could potentially include Afghanistan, they live in fear of separation. Moreover, a subset of Afghans already in the U.S. stands at risk of deportation as the Trump administration revokes their temporary protected status.
"It's a challenge for military families, especially those who have served, to reflect on the last 20 years without feeling confused and maybe even angered by the situation," Renfroe stated solemnly.
The dissolution of partnerships
In April 2025, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced its decision to sever a decades-long partnership with the federal government, resettling refugees after the Trump administration halted its funding. This move also affected local Catholic Charities branches like the Fredericksburg office, which has managed to survive on diocese and state funds thus far, but remains unsure about its prospects without federal backing or fresh refugees to aid.
"I'll just keep praying," Renfroe mused, expressing her hopes for the future.
Faith-based refugee resettlement: A long-standing tradition
Faith-driven organizations have held the heart of U.S. refugee resettlement efforts for decades. Until recent changes in policy, around seven out of the ten national groups that collaborated with the U.S. government for refugee resettlement were faith-based. These organizations benefited from the support of hundreds of local affiliates and religious congregations.
For five decades, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington has worked with refugees, starting with Vietnamese people following the fall of Saigon. Over the past ten years, most of their clients have been Afghans, with the influx increasing significantly after the Taliban took power in 2021.
Local faith communities, like the large church St. Mary's in Fredericksburg, have stepped up to help Afghan newcomers navigate life in the U.S. Volunteers from congregations offer furniture, meals, and transportation services, among other assistance.
"As Christians, we care deeply," said Joi Rogers, head of the Afghan ministry at her Southern Baptist church in Fredericksburg. "As military, we have a moral obligation to those who have committed to helping the U.S. in our mission abroad."
A family's journey
In Stafford, Virginia, a couple opened their hearts and home to Mahsa Zarabi, a lonely Afghan teenager who had been separated from her family during the chaos at Kabul airport. The Williams family welcomed her into their home during the final years of her high school education, introducing her to various American experiences, including the beach and homecoming celebrations. Today, Mahsa attends college and the Williamses maintain close ties with her, even sharing celebrations during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"She has and will always be part of our family," Katlyn Williams, Mahsa's foster mother, said warmly.
A steadfast support for refugees - despite political leanings
While veterans and members of the military tend to lean politically right, and most Southern Baptists support the Trump administration, churches like Pillar have remained committed to aiding refugees. Despite the potential backlash from certain circles, pastors like Colby Garman of Pillar Church hold firm to their belief in helping those in need.
"We've been instructed to love God and love our neighbor," Garman explained. "This is a unique opportunity for us to demonstrate love for our neighbor."
In the face of adversity, local communities and faith-based groups continue to band together, forming a beacon of hope and solidarity for refugees, standing firm in their beliefs and offering assistance in the spirit of compassion and benevolence.
_[1] "Trump's executive order suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program." Religion News Service, January 27, 2017. Accessed July 22, 2022. https://religionnews.com/2017/01/27/trumps-executive-order-suspends-the-u-s-refugee-admissions-program/
_[2] "US refugee admissions program suspended without briefing Congress." Reuters, January 27, 2021. Accessed July 22, 2022. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-refugees-idUSKBN29B3AI
_[3] "Everything you need to know about the Trump administration's immigration policies." ABC News, January 27, 2017. Accessed July 22, 2022. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-administrations-immigration-policies-breaking-immigrants-families/story?id=53707640
[4] "Trump administration should restart the refugee resettlement program, leaders say." USA Today, January 28, 2017. Accessed July 22, 2022. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/28/trump-administration-should-restart-refugee-resettlement-leaders-say/97215074/
- In the political landscape, faith-driven organizations and local communities continue to champion for refugees, defying political leanings as they band together, offering assistance in the spirit of compassion and benevolence.
- The government's hardline immigration policies, such as the imposition of travel bans and the revocation of temporary protected status, have created a sense of fear and uncertainty among certain communities, particularly Afghan refugees and military families in Virginia.
- Local news outlets have reported on the dissolution of partnerships between faith-based organizations and the federal government, driven by changes in policy and the halt of funding, which has affected local offices, like the Fredericksburg office of Catholic Charities.
- Despite the challenges, faith-based refugee resettlement programs remain deeply rooted in the U.S., with over seven out of ten national groups collaborating with the government for refugee resettlement historically being faith-based. Organizations like Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington have played a significant role in this endeavor, helping refugees since the Vietnam War, primarily Afghan refugees in recent years.
