The Digest:
The United States has begun enforcing visa restrictions against individuals found to have violated religious freedom. Mark Walker, US Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom, said: "If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America." The policy, announced in December by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets those who direct, authorise, fund, or support religious freedom violations. Nigeria was specifically named among countries of concern, with restrictions potentially applying to officials found complicit in religious persecution.
Key Points:
- The policy is grounded in Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Immediate family members of affected individuals may also face restrictions.
- The US had redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in November 2025.
- A House subcommittee hearing examined potential sanctions against Nigerian officials.
- The policy has already been executed, Walker confirmed.
