U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has introduced the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act, which seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to bar visas for individuals involved in violations of religious freedom. The proposed legislation would also expand visa ineligibility to include terrorist or non-state actors, as well as foreign government officials responsible for religious persecution.
Senator Budd stated, “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.”
Senator Cotton commented, “Any foreign official that is involved in the persecution of Christians, in Nigeria or anywhere else, has no business setting foot in the United States. This bill builds upon the decisive actions taken by Secretary of State Rubio and President Trump.”
Senator Lankford added, “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.”
Senator Moody said, “Our great country was founded on protecting the God given rights of man. Our nation’s Constitution guarantees it. I am proud to support the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act which prevents religious terrorists and oppressors of Christians and other religious minorities from ever entering our great nation.”
Senator Kennedy noted, “Secretary Rubio is doing the right thing by blocking the monsters who trample on other people’s religious liberty from receiving visas. Now, it’s up to Congress to make these important Trump administration reforms permanent. I’m proud to help Senator Budd introduce the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act to protect our country from those who don’t respect our First Amendment freedoms.”
According to Senator Blackburn: “The United States should not be a safe haven for those who persecute people of faith. The Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to bar visas for individuals who have directed, supported, or carried out violations of religious freedom.”
Ted Cruz stated: “Individuals who encourage or facilitate religious persecution, such as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria or Uyghurs in China, pose a threat to the safety and security of Americans and should not be allowed on American soil. I am proud to join Senator Budd in introducing this bill.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
On December 3, 2025 Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new policy under existing immigration law allowing restrictions on visa issuance for individuals implicated in violations against religious freedom. This policy was prompted by reports concerning violence against minorities abroad but can be applied more broadly.
The proposed act aims to formalize these efforts by making inadmissible those responsible for such acts worldwide; it also mandates public disclosure—except when release may harm foreign policy—of names deemed inadmissible due to participation in severe violations related to religion.
