Lankford Leads Push to Block Religious Persecutors from Entering the United States

Lankford Leads Push to Block Religious Persecutors from Entering the United States

U.S. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma is spearheading new federal legislation aimed at denying U.S. visas to individuals involved in religious persecution abroad, reinforcing America’s long-standing commitment to religious liberty.

Lankford, joined by Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several Republican colleagues, has introduced the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act. The measure would update the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit visas for foreign nationals who have played a role in serious violations of religious freedom.

Under the proposal, individuals who have ordered, enabled, financed, supported, or personally carried out acts of religious persecution would be barred from entering the United States. Importantly, the legislation goes beyond foreign government officials and explicitly includes non-state actors and terrorist organizations responsible for targeting religious groups.

Strengthening America’s Religious Freedom Standards

Senator Lankford emphasized that protecting religious liberty is central to America’s identity and moral responsibility.

He argued that the United States should not offer safe harbor to individuals who actively persecute people for their beliefs, stating that participation in religious oppression should permanently disqualify someone from entering the country.

Senator Budd echoed those concerns, pointing to ongoing violence against religious minorities in regions such as Nigeria, where extremist groups have been linked to kidnappings, killings, and widespread intimidation of Christians and other faith communities. Budd said allowing individuals tied to such abuses to obtain U.S. visas undermines the very principles on which the nation was founded.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ashley Moody, Tom Cotton, Jim Banks, John Kennedy, and Ted Cruz.

Building on Existing Policy

The bill builds on a policy announced on December 3, 2025, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which allows the U.S. Department of State to deny visas to individuals involved in severe religious freedom abuses.

That policy was implemented following reports of escalating violence against religious minorities, particularly in Nigeria, but it applies globally and is not limited to a single country or conflict.

Supporters of the legislation say codifying this policy into law ensures it cannot be easily reversed by future administrations and sends a strong, permanent message to perpetrators worldwide that religious persecution carries real consequences.

Public Accountability with Diplomatic Safeguards

In addition to restricting visas, the proposed law would require the State Department to maintain a publicly accessible list of individuals deemed inadmissible due to religious freedom violations. Lawmakers argue that transparency strengthens accountability and deters future abuses.

However, the bill also allows for discretion. If publicly releasing a name would harm U.S. foreign policy interests or sensitive diplomatic efforts, the Secretary of State could withhold that information.

Why This Matters to Oklahoma

For Oklahoma lawmakers like Lankford, the issue resonates deeply with constituents who value religious liberty as a foundational right. Supporters say the bill aligns U.S. immigration policy with America’s moral commitments and ensures that those who attack people for their faith cannot benefit from access to the United States.

As global conflicts increasingly involve religious persecution, the legislation positions the U.S. to take a firmer stance—using visa authority not just as an immigration tool, but as a statement of principle.

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