U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Wednesday announced visa ban on Nigerians, supporters and family members of terrorists and Fulani militias “who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom.”
Rubio said the new policy is being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act which allows the State Department to restrict visa issuance to individuals
Specifically, he said: “This policy will apply to Nigeria and any other governments or individuals engaged in violations of religious freedom.”
This, he said, is part of “decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians” in Nigeria “and beyond.”
The full statement reads: The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond.
“A new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act will allow the State Department to restrict visa issuance to individuals who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom and, where appropriate, their immediate family members.
“As President Trump made clear, the “United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.”
“This policy will apply to Nigeria and any other governments or individuals engaged in violations of religious freedom.”
