The United States has announced stricter visa measures targeting individuals accused of involvement in religious persecution, saying such persons will no longer be allowed entry into the country.
Mark Walker, the U.S. Principal Advisor on Global Religious Freedom, said the policy is already being enforced and will continue to be expanded. He explained that the decision follows an earlier directive introduced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which empowers U.S. authorities to restrict visas for people linked to religious rights violations, including those who fund, support, or directly carry out such acts.
According to the U.S. government, the policy is backed by provisions in American immigration law that also allow restrictions to be extended to close family members of affected individuals where necessary.
Officials said the move is part of efforts to respond to global concerns about violence tied to religious tensions. A statement from the United States Department of State referenced ongoing killings and attacks affecting both Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria and other countries, warning that those responsible or complicit could face travel bans.
The U.S. also reiterated its position that individuals involved in acts of religious violence or support for such actions would be subject to increased screening and potential visa denial.
The announcement comes amid growing diplomatic attention on insecurity in Nigeria, which the U.S. recently kept on a travel advisory list, urging its citizens to reconsider visits due to terrorism threats, kidnapping, and violent crime.
In a related development, the U.S. Embassy Abuja temporarily suspended visa appointment services earlier in the week, citing security concerns. While emergency services for American citizens continue, routine visa processing in Abuja has been affected, even as operations continue in Lagos.
U.S. officials say the combined measures reflect a broader effort to reassess security conditions and strengthen accountability for human rights violations globally.
