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Mark Walker, the United States’ principal adviser for global religious freedom, says Washington has begun enforcing visa restrictions on individuals linked to violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on social media on Friday, Walker said the policy has already been implemented and will continue to be enforced, stressing that those involved in religious persecution would face heightened scrutiny and could be barred from entering the United States.
In December, Secretary Rubio announced that the @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who have directed, authorized, funded, significantly supported, or carried out violations of religious freedom. We have already executed on this policy and we will continue to subject…
— Principal Advisor Mark Walker (@PA_GRF) April 10, 2026
He maintained that restricting entry for such individuals is part of efforts to enhance security and uphold human rights.
“We have already executed on this policy, and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny.
“If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America,” he said.
“The United States is safer when we keep those responsible for religious persecution from entering our homeland.”
The policy follows an announcement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who introduced measures targeting those accused of directing, funding, or participating in acts that undermine religious freedom.
The move was presented as part of broader efforts to respond to violence affecting religious communities, particularly Christians, in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The policy also aligns with a proposal by Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, who had called for visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups implicated in such violations.
His resolution identified organisations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
In February, US lawmakers also proposed sanctions against former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over alleged links to religious freedom violations.
