United States of America has introduced a fresh visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in attacks or actions that undermine religious freedom in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the US Department of State, the new measures will also extend to the immediate family members of affected individuals.
Under the policy titled “Combating Egregious Anti-Christian Violence in Nigeria and Globally,” the US government said it was responding to widespread killings and violent assaults on Christian communities by extremist groups, including radical Islamist terrorists, Fulani militias, and other armed actors.
The State Department explained that the restrictions are backed by Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which empowers Washington to deny visas to those who directed, authorised, supported, took part in, or executed violations of religious freedom.
In the statement, the US recalled that President Donald Trump had insisted that America “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries,” adding that the new policy will be enforced against governments or individuals implicated in religious persecution.
Officials noted that the United States remains committed to protecting religious minorities and will continue to engage global partners to curb violence motivated by faith.
