The United States Department of State has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals and officials “responsible for violence against Christians” in Nigeria and elsewhere, the department said on Wednesday.
Announcing the policy on X, Marco Rubio declared: “The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world.” The restrictions apply to those who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom” — including militant groups, radical fighters, militia leaders, and anyone complicit in religious-motivated attacks.
Under the new rule, visa bans may also extend to immediate family members of perpetrators.
The decision follows the re-designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged mass killings, church raids, and religious-freedom abuses — especially in regions plagued by extremist militants and conflict over religious and ethnic divides.
The State Department noted the action forms part of a broader global response and does not automatically label whole communities or faith groups — only individuals credibly linked to violations.
