The administration of President Donald Trump has introduced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians alleged to be financing or supporting violence described by US officials as attacks on Christian communities.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced the policy on Wednesday in a statement shared on his official X handle. He said the measure is part of Washington’s response to what it considers rising religious persecution in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
According to Rubio, the restrictions will apply to individuals or authorities found to have “directed, authorized, funded, supported, or carried out” violations of religious freedom, especially in cases linked to the killing of Christians.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” he wrote. “The State Department will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”
Nigeria’s government has rejected the genocide narrative, insisting that the country’s security challenges cut across all religious and ethnic groups. Officials maintain that no targeted extermination of Christians is taking place and argue that attacks affect citizens of all faiths.
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