U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions for Religious Persecution

The U.S. government, through Mark Walker, Principal Advisor on Global Religious Freedom, has issued a warning to individuals involved in religious persecution, particularly in Nigeria. The announcement follows a previous statement by Marco Rubio, U.S.

Secretary of State, regarding plans to restrict visas for those linked to violations of religious freedom. The new policy, grounded in Section 212 (3)(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows the State Department to impose immediate visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members who significantly support or participate in religious persecution.

This action is a response to mass violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists and Fulani ethnic militias in Nigeria. The U.S. has expressed its commitment to not tolerate atrocities occurring in Nigeria and has criticized the Nigerian government's handling of insecurity.

Furthermore, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has suspended visa appointment services due to worsening security concerns, advising American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria.