By: Sunday Ameh
The United States has commenced the enforcement of visa restrictions on certain Nigerians accused of involvement in violations of religious freedom, a senior American official has disclosed.
Mark Walker, Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom, made the announcement in a statement, noting that the policy was introduced by the United States Department of State.
According to Walker, the restrictions target individuals allegedly linked to acts that undermine religious freedom, including those who authorised, funded, or directly participated in such violations.
He explained that the action is backed by Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which empowers U.S. authorities to deny visas to individuals deemed detrimental to the country’s foreign policy interests.
“In December, the Secretary of State announced that visas would be restricted for those linked to religious freedom violations. This policy has now been activated and will continue to be enforced,” Walker stated.
Although the U.S. government did not disclose the identities or number of affected individuals, it confirmed that enforcement has already begun and that those impacted would face additional scrutiny.
The development comes amid growing international concerns over insecurity and alleged cases of religiously motivated violence in Nigeria, including reported attacks on religious communities.
Nigeria had earlier been redesignated by U.S. authorities as a Country of Particular Concern over issues relating to religious freedom.
The State Department further indicated that the restrictions could extend to immediate family members of individuals found culpable, stressing that the move forms part of broader efforts to promote accountability and curb violence linked to religious intolerance.
Leave a Reply