Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, has announced that the United States is taking decisive measures against individuals and officials responsible for alleged atrocities and violence targeting Christians both in Nigeria and globally.
Under the new policy, the U.S. State Department will restrict entry visas for anyone who “knowingly directs, authorizes, funds, supports, or carries out violations of religious freedom.”
Rubio emphasized the seriousness of the U.S. response, stating:
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world.
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.”
The visa restrictions explicitly target Nigeria, along with other governments and individuals implicated in the persecution of people based on their religious beliefs.
This move signals a stronger international stance on religious freedom and aims to hold accountable those involved in persecuting Christians.