Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act of 2026

# Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would authorize the U.S. government to ban entry into the United States for individuals who have committed or are responsible for religious persecution. It creates a mechanism to identify, designate, and exclude foreign nationals engaged in religious persecution from entering or staying in the country. The bill would give federal agencies tools to target people involved in oppressing others based on their faith. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect foreign nationals accused of participating in religious persecution overseas.

It could impact U.S. immigration and visa policies, as well as international relations with countries whose nationals might be designated under this authority. Advocacy groups focused on religious freedom would likely be involved in identifying cases. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It has not advanced to a vote, and no companion bill has been identified in the House as of this summary.