Bulwark Takes: “They Will Be Killed” Trump Orders Afghan Refugees to Self-Deport
Release Date: April 20, 2025

Introduction

In the April 20, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Tim Miller from The Bulwark, the focus shifts to a grave and urgent issue affecting Afghan refugees in the United States. Tim is joined by Will Selber, a seasoned advocate working with several Afghan nonprofits, including the Afghan American Veterans Alliance, Global Friends of Afghanistan, and Next Mission, which supports Afghan female soldiers. Together, they delve into the Trump administration's controversial decision to revoke temporary protective status for Afghan allies, effectively mandating their self-deportation and placing them in immediate danger.

Policy Changes by the Trump Administration

Tim Miller opens the discussion by highlighting recent developments: the Trump administration's removal of temporary protective status (TPS) for Afghan refugees who had previously sought asylum through proper channels, such as demonstrating credible fear of persecution. This policy shift targets approximately 120,000 Afghan individuals, a majority of whom are Christians fearing religious persecution under Taliban rule.

Tim Miller [09:01]: "Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted yesterday. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Holy week and Easter, I call upon all nations to respect the right of Christians to declare Christ the King. So while he's calling on other nations to respect the right of Christians, he's sending Christian refugees back to their death."

Impact on Afghan Refugees and Allies

Will Selber provides an in-depth analysis of the implications of this policy change. He explains that by revoking TPS, the administration has left Afghan allies—many of whom served alongside American forces—forlorn and vulnerable. These individuals have undergone extensive vetting processes, including multiple rounds of security checks, to secure their status in the U.S. However, without TPS, they face imminent deportation to Afghanistan, where their lives are in imminent danger of being taken by the Taliban or Al Qaeda.

Will Selber [04:17]: "Any Afghan who gets sent back, who is a vetted Afghan and who's a trusted Afghan...codes air, they're gonna kill them, period."

Personal Accounts and Examples

To humanize the statistics, Will shares poignant personal stories of Afghan allies who have successfully integrated into American society. He mentions a pilot who had to re-certify his credentials after fleeing Afghanistan and is now actively serving as a pilot in the U.S., and an Afghan interpreter who, despite severe injuries, remains committed to protecting Americans.

Will Selber [06:55]: "I have a friend who's a pilot. He's a pilot, and he lost all of his credentials during the fall. He had to redo everything, and he's flying right now as we speak."

These narratives underscore the sacrifices made by Afghan allies and the integral roles they continue to play within their communities in the United States.

Psychological and Social Consequences

The conversation delves into the profound psychological toll this policy is having on Afghan combat veterans and their families. Will emphasizes that many veterans who invested personal resources and built deep relationships in their efforts to evacuate Afghan allies are now facing betrayal. This sense of abandonment is expected to lead to a spike in mental health issues, including increased suicide rates among veterans.

Will Selber [05:58]: "Imagine how this must feel for my Afghan combat veteran friends...if we're going to start hunting our very own allies...it's going to be devastating, not just for combat veterans, but also for their families."

Government Contradictions and Hypocrisy

Tim criticizes the Trump administration for its contradictory stance on human rights. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly advocates for the protection of Christian rights globally, the administration's actions directly endanger Christian refugees seeking safety in the U.S. This hypocrisy highlights a broader issue of inconsistency in policy enforcement and moral leadership.

Tim Miller [11:46]: "Marco Rubio tweeted...while he's calling on other nations to respect the right of Christians, he's sending Christian refugees back to their death. What a sick person. It's just truly unbelievable that, like, the shamelessness of...the administration on this front."

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode wraps up, Tim and Will reiterate the urgency of the situation and the need for public awareness and support for Afghan allies. Tim provides resources for listeners to support the organizations aiding Afghan refugees, emphasizing that ongoing advocacy is crucial to prevent further tragedies.

Tim Miller [12:54]: "I appreciate you, man. I appreciate your service, all the work you're doing...Afghan American Veterans Alliance, Global Friends of Afghanistan...we'll be talking to you again."

Will expresses gratitude for the platform to shed light on these critical issues and underscores the enduring resilience of Afghan allies who continue to strive for safety and stability in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Will Selber [04:17]: "Any Afghan who gets sent back...they're gonna kill them, period."
• Tim Miller [09:01]: "He's sending Christian refugees back to their death...shamelessness of the administration."
• Will Selber [06:55]: "I have a friend who's a pilot...he's flying right now as we speak."
• Tim Miller [11:46]: "What a sick person. It's just truly unbelievable...the administration on this front."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a sobering examination of the Trump administration's policies towards Afghan refugees, highlighting the immediate and severe threats posed to individuals who have already risked their lives to support American forces. Through heartfelt discussions and personal testimonies, Tim Miller and Will Selber emphasize the critical need for continued support and action to protect these vulnerable populations from forced deportation and likely persecution.

For listeners looking to help, Tim directs them to the show notes where links to supporting organizations like the Afghan American Veterans Alliance, Global Friends of Afghanistan, and others are provided. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of political decisions and the ongoing struggle for justice and safety among Afghan allies in the United States.