US Imposes Visa Restrictions On Nigerian Citizens, See Why

US Imposes Visa Restrictions On Nigerian Citizens, See Why

The United States has introduced visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of directing, authorizing, funding, or sponsoring the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move in a post on X on Wednesday, following President Donald Trump’s recent decision to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over what he described as “genocide against Christians.”

“United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.

“The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”

Trump first unveiled the designation on October 30 via his Truth Social account, later reiterating his stance during a national address.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump posted to Truth Social. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it,” he posted.

He also disclosed that he had instructed Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and members of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the issue and report their findings.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump said.

“We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”

Since Trump’s announcement, several U.S. lawmakers have backed his position. Rep. Riley Moore, reacting to the abduction of students and teachers from St. Mary Catholic School in Niger State, condemned the attacks, stressing that the plight of Nigerian Christians must not be ignored.

Moore, in a statement, said, “I stand with the U.S. State Department in condemning the horrific abduction of children and teachers from a Catholic school in Nigeria.”

He stressed the need for global attention on the plight of Christians in the country.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nigeria who are persecuted daily. No one should be targeted for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he said.

Earlier, lawmakers warned that Washington must intensify pressure on the Nigerian government, accusing authorities of failing to curb widespread insecurity and targeted killings.

At a joint congressional hearing of the House Appropriations Committee on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, lawmakers argued that the situation had deteriorated to the point where stronger U.S. intervention was necessary—particularly after Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his warning of possible military action.

“The Nigerian government has a fundamental, constitutional obligation to protect its citizens; however, the perpetrators of this persecution operate with complete impunity,” he told the gathering.

Congressman Chris Smith, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, said Nigerian authorities were neglecting their most fundamental responsibilities, warning that the U.S. would not permit Nigerian leaders to evade accountability.

He further accused the government of intentionally delaying efforts to tackle the escalating violence.