The Trump administration has announced new measures aimed at addressing what it calls “egregious” anti-Christian violence in Nigeria and other countries where religious freedom is under attack.
In a statement released on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government is taking “decisive action” following mass killings and ongoing violence carried out by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani militias, and other armed groups targeting Christian communities in Nigeria.
Under a new policy enacted through Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the State Department will be able to restrict visas for individuals who have directed, authorized, supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom. The restrictions may also extend to their immediate family members where appropriate.
Secretary Rubio said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to confronting religious persecution globally.
With a population of around 220 million people, Nigeria is essentially split in half religiously between Christians and Muslims, resulting in a long-standing threat of violence from extremist groups.
Boko Haram has been known to target not only Christians but also Muslims whom they believe are not sufficiently aligned with their radical interpretation of Islamic law.
Last month, the U.S. president ordered the Pentagon to begin drawing up plans for potential military action across Nigeria following claims of continued persecution of devoted Christians.
It is still unclear how the administration will implement this new policy, given that the State Department can already restrict travel to the U.S. for those involved in human rights abuses.
