"A very grateful man"

International | In recent months it has become even more difficult for Iranian Christians, and other persecuted believers, to win refuge in the West. | Priya Abraham

In recent months it has become even more difficult for Iranian Christians, and other persecuted believers, to win refuge in the West. A little-noted decision by the Austrian government to stop issuing visas for religious minorities is having a ripple effect for those fleeing Iran.

Austria was the only country in Europe where Iranian Christians could apply directly to the United States without needing a referral from the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR). Applying elsewhere can be dangerous. "In Pakistan, for example, they have radical Muslims who are UN officers," said Abe Ghaffari, president of refugee agency Iranian Christians International.

Many Iranian Christians went to Vienna on visas for religious minorities, then applied for refugee status at the U.S. embassy. But about two months ago, the Austrian government stopped letting them in. The reason: Under post-9/11 rules the U.S. embassy was denying so many applications, some Iranians started claiming asylum in Austria, said Martin Kraemer, the Austrian Consul-General in Washington.