Christian Genocide: U.S. Imposes New Visa Restrictions on Persecutors

Making the announcement, the Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio said the move reflects Washington’s commitment to defending global religious freedom.

Under the new policy, the State Department will deny entry to any individual, government official or otherwise who “knowingly directs, authorises, funds, supports, or carries out violations of religious freedom.”

Rubio emphasised that the measure explicitly includes Nigeria, where international rights groups have long raised concerns about attacks on Christian communities.

“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.

“The State Department will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorise, 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.”

Recall that the U.S. President, Mr Donald Trump, has issued a threat to Nigeria following reports of Christian genocide and subsequently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.