Sharia Law: U.S. to deny visas to Nigerians who violate religious freedom

According to Mr Rubio, the restriction may also affect their immediate family members.

Abiodun Sanusi • December 3, 2025

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio [Credit: newsweek.com]

The United States has announced its plan to restrict visas of Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom in Nigeria.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made the development known in a post on X on Wednesday, announcing new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom.

Mr Rubio, who noted that the U.S. is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world, said the restrictions will affect those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom”.

“The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorise, 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,” Rubio posted on X.

Meanwhile, in a Wednesday statement titled ‘Combating Egregious Anti-Christian Violence in Nigeria and Globally,’ the U.S. Department of State said the United States was 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.

The visa ban would be imposed on individuals who have directed, authorised or supported violations of religious freedom. The restriction may also affect their immediate family members.

The statement said, “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, authorised, 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.”

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