Lankford, Budd, and Colleagues Lead Legislation Banning Foreign Violators of Religious Freedom from Obtaining US Visas

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Tedd Budd (R-NC) introduced the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by restricting the issuance of visas to individuals who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom. The bill would additionally amend the INA to expand 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.

"Religious freedom is a God-given right, and our nation should never open its doors to those who persecute people of faith. If you direct, support, or take part in religious persecution, you should never be allowed to enter the United States," said Lankford.

"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 US, 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 US 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," said Budd.

Joining Lankford and Budd in introducing the legislation are Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Ted Cruz (R-TX).

You can read the exclusive in the Washington Reporter, HERE.

Background

On December 3, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new policy under the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows the US Department of State to restrict visa issuance to individuals who have committed violations of religious freedom.

While this decision came in response to reports of brutal killings and violence against religious minorities in Nigeria, the policy implemented by the Trump administration could apply to any foreign individual who is directly responsible for or involved with severe violations of religious persecution.

The Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act of 2026:

• Codifies the efforts taken by Secretary Rubio by sending a clear message to perpetrators of religious freedom around the globe that they are inadmissible to the United States.
• 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.

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