Story perspectives

U.S. Denies Visas for Religious Freedom Violators in Nigeria

12/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 3, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a policy authorizing the State Department to deny visas to individuals implicated in religious freedom violations.
The policy follows violent incidents in Nigeria, including a church attack that killed two people and the abduction of over 300 students from St. Mary’s School.
U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” while the Nigerian government disagreed.

History

Historical Context

The International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) was enacted by the U.S. Congress on October 27, 1998, to address global religious persecution. It established the Office of International Religious Freedom within the State Department, empowering the Secretary of State to designate "Countries of Particular Concern." In 2025, Nigeria was labeled as such due to severe incidents, prompting new U.S. visa policies aimed at violators.

1 of 2

Story summary

On December 3, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a policy authorizing the State Department to deny visas to individuals implicated in religious freedom violations.
The policy follows violent incidents in Nigeria, including a church attack that killed two people and the abduction of over 300 students from St. Mary’s School.
U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” while the Nigerian government disagreed.

1 / 2