Abuja: The U.S. government has announced a new policy that will halt the issuance of U.S. visas to individuals and their immediate families found to be sponsors of Christian genocide or sympathisers of terrorism on a global scale. This move aims to address violations of religious freedom perpetrated by various groups.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja clarified that the policy targets those who have directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or executed acts that infringe upon religious freedom. This decision responds to reported mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent factions in Nigeria and beyond.
The statement, attributed to the U.S. State Department and signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizes the strategic decision under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This section empowers the State Department to withhold visas from individuals involved in religious freedom violations and, where relevant, their immediate family members.
The statement cites President Trump’s assertion that the United States must not remain passive while such atrocities occur in Nigeria and several other countries. The move is part of a broader effort to combat egregious anti-Christian violence globally.