The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in religious persecution in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The move was revealed on Wednesday by U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio in a post on X, where he described it as a “decisive action” in response to ongoing violence and atrocities committed against Christians in Nigeria.
According to Rubio, the U.S. State Department will now restrict visas for any individuals who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.”
The policy is designed to hold accountable those responsible for attacks or discrimination based on religious belief, and it extends beyond Nigeria to other governments and actors implicated in similar abuses.
Rubio stated that the decision underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting religious freedoms globally and ensuring that perpetrators of faith-based persecution face consequences.
The announcement comes amid heightened international concern over recurrent deadly attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions.
The U.S. has previously faced pressure from lawmakers and advocacy groups urging stronger action to address the crisis.
