In the United States we often take our freedoms for granted, especially the freedom of religion. I was one of those people until I met Bhatti Laiqat. Bhatti lives in Pakistan with his wife and two children. They live in constant terror because of their faith. In Pakistan, Christians’ homes are set on fire, communities bombed, and they have become targets of the government and militants. Bhatti’s own wife was kidnapped and his family threatened because of their Christian faith.

Thanks to technology, I was able to connect with Bhatti. He was looking for fellowship and prayers of support from other Christians after his wife was kidnapped by militants. Luckily, she was returned, but the message was clear: convert to Islam or your family is in danger. Bhatti looked to the US, a place where he could practice his faith without fear it would cost him or someone he loved their life, only to be turned away when he tried to apply for a visa.

Pakistan is not listed as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the State Department. The CPC designation is applied to countries who are committing or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom as defined by the International Religious Freedom Act. When a country is labeled a CPC it can make it easier for its citizens to immigrate and seek asylum in the US.

Secretary of State John Kerry, despite a US Commission on International Freedom recommendation to do so, has refused to label Pakistan a CPC. This is likely due to our strategic alliance with the country. Although US taxpayers have given billions of dollars to the country to fight the war on terror, Pakistan cannot protect its own citizens from religious persecution.

It is time for Sec. Kerry to label Pakistan a CPC so it’s easier for people like Bhatti to get their families to safety. To do otherwise, would amount to the US turning its back on Bhatti and the persecuted Christians of Pakistan.