The United States government has announced a sweeping visa policy aimed at penalizing individuals accused of involvement in the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The action, unveiled by U.S. Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, is designed to address reported violations of religious freedom and hold perpetrators accountable.
According to the announcement, the U.S. will restrict entry visas for persons who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.” This includes government officials, private actors, and other entities believed to be involved in targeted attacks or systematic discrimination.
The policy specifically highlights Nigeria as one of the countries where Christians have allegedly faced violence, intimidation, and persecution. However, the measure is not limited to Nigeria alone; it extends globally to individuals and governments identified as engaging in religious oppression.
Rubio emphasized that the United States is committed to defending religious liberty internationally. He noted that the new restrictions reflect Washington’s stance against violent extremism and state-sponsored abuses affecting Christian communities and other vulnerable religious groups.
He stated, “The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world. The State Department will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”
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The decision marks a significant escalation in U.S. foreign policy on religious freedom, signaling potential diplomatic ramifications for those implicated in rights violations.