US implements visa restrictions for religious freedom violators

via Punch Nigeria2 hours ago3 min read

The United States government has confirmed the enforcement of visa restrictions against individuals who have violated religious freedom, stating that perpetrators of religious persecution will be barred from entering the country. Mark Walker, the United States Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom, announced this policy on X, recalling that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously outlined plans for such restrictions in December 2025. Walker emphasized that the US has already implemented this policy and will continue to scrutinize those involved in persecution, stating, "If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America." The policy, grounded in Section 212a3C of the Immigration and Nationality Act, also allows for restrictions to be extended to immediate family members. The United States Department of State website further clarified that this action is a response to violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and other countries. The policy applies to Nigeria and any other governments or individuals involved in religious freedom violations. Walker's post was a response to a statement from the US lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., which criticized the Nigerian government's handling of insecurity. Earlier, Nigeria was named by the US government among countries of concern regarding religious freedom. Separately, the United States Mission in Nigeria closed

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Nigeria wastes 38 million tonnes of food annually amid rising hunger

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US implements visa restrictions for religious freedom violators

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