On Wednesday, the United States government announced visa restrictions targeting individuals implicated in violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, with the measures potentially extending to their immediate family members.
In a statement titled “Combating Egregious Anti-Christian Violence in Nigeria and Globally”, the Department of State said the restrictions were being implemented in response to mass killings and attacks on Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and elsewhere.
The statement explained that under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the State Department would now have the authority to deny visas to those who have “directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom,” with the policy potentially extending to their immediate family members.
The policy, citing former President Donald Trump’s remarks, underscores that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.” It targets Nigeria and other governments or individuals involved in religious freedom violations. The announcement comes amid rising international concern over attacks on religious communities in Nigeria, including targeted killings, abductions, and the destruction of property by armed groups.
