U.S. imposes visa ban on perpetrators of anti-Christian violence in Nigeria
The United States government has announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at individuals deemed responsible for, or complicit in, violations of religious freedom — a measure that may also affect their immediate family members.
In a statement issued Wednesday and titled “Combating Egregious Anti-Christian Violence in Nigeria and Globally,” the U.S. Department of State said the decision is part of a broader effort to confront persistent attacks on Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani militias, and other violent groups operating in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The policy reflects Washington’s pledge to hold perpetrators of religious persecution accountable and reinforces its stance against rising global anti-Christian violence.
According to the statement, the restrictions fall under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, empowering the State Department to deny visas to individuals who have directed, supported, participated in, or facilitated violations of religious freedom — and, where applicable, their immediate family members.
Quoting former President Donald Trump, the statement added: “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.”
The U.S. affirmed that the policy will apply to Nigeria and any government officials or private actors found to be engaged in religious freedom violations worldwide.
