The United States has stepped up action against individuals linked to religious persecution, warning that those found culpable will be denied entry under stricter visa rules now being enforced.
The policy, confirmed by Mark Walker, signals a firmer stance from Washington, particularly as concerns grow over targeted violence in countries including Nigeria.
“In December, Secretary Rubio announced that the State Department will restrict US visas for those who have directed, authorised, funded, significantly supported, or carried out violations of religious freedom”.
“We have already executed on this policy, and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny”.
“If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America. The United States is safer when we keep those responsible for religious persecution from entering our homeland,” Walker said.
The measure, introduced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, extends beyond direct offenders to include, where necessary, their immediate family members, tightening the net around those linked to such acts.
A statement from the United States Department of State reinforced the position, tying the move to rising cases of violence driven by religious intolerance.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond”.
“A new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act will allow the State Department to restrict visa issuance to individuals who have directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom and, where appropriate, their immediate family members,” the statement read.
It added, “As President Trump made clear, the United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.”
The move comes amid mounting criticism of Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, with a US lobbying firm accusing the government of failing to respond decisively.
“The United States will not stand by while innocent Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike, are slaughtered by terrorists as the current Nigerian government remains idle. That same government now appears to be attempting to circumvent the electoral will of the Nigerian people. It has, through its inaction, demonstrated complicity”.
“Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, those responsible for the murder of Nigerians will be held accountable. Likewise, any officials within the current government who enable such violence, or who seek to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s presidential election, will also be held to account.”
Meanwhile, the US has tightened its posture on Nigeria, maintaining a Level 3 travel advisory and authorising the departure of non-essential staff from its Abuja embassy, citing a worsening security environment.
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