Congressman Tim Moore Introduces Legislation to Block Visas for Foreign Violators of Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON, D.C. -On Good Friday, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) introduced H.R. 8182, the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act,to restrict visas for individuals who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom. It also expands visa ineligibility to terrorist or non-state actors responsible for violations of religious freedom, in addition to foreign government officials responsible for the persecution of religious groups.

"Across parts of Nigeria, Christians and other religious minorities are being hunted and brutally executed simply because of their faith. These are acts of pure evil, carried out by people who show no regard for human life or basic decency. Those responsible for these or similar atrocities should never, under any circumstance, be welcomed into the United States, and doing so would be a betrayal of the American people and our values. The Trump administration is on the right path, and we need to codify this policy and make it the law of the land," said Congressman Moore.

"Nigeria is just one of many examples where non-state actors and terrorist groups are carrying out kidnappings and killings of Christians and other religious minorities. It is entirely unacceptable for the U.S., a nation founded on the principle of religious freedom, to allow such foreign nationals into our country. By codifying the Trump administration's directive to bar these malign actors from obtaining U.S. visas, we are establishing robust consequences for violators and sending a loud and clear message to the rest of the world that America will not tolerate any attack on religious freedom. I am grateful to Congressman Moore for joining me in leading this critical legislation in the House," said Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), sponsor of the Senate companion, S. 3679.

Specifically, this legislation:

·Codifies Trump Administration policies enacted following reports of brutal killings and violence against religious minorities in Nigeria.

·Requires the Secretary of State to make the names of all aliens determined to be inadmissible publicly accessible.

·Provides an exception if the Secretary of State determines that the public release of the identity of such an alien would have adverse foreign policy consequences.

Original cosponsors include Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Mike Kennedy (UT-03), Keith Self (TX-03), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Daniel Webster (FL-11).

Read the full text of the legislation HERE.