; (B) to take 15 actions, or commensurate actions in substitution, following the designation of a country as a country of particular concern for religious freedom; and (C) designate a foreign country on a Special Watch List when its government has engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom in that country over the previous 12 months. (6) On November 28, 2018, the Secretary of State designated Russia on the Special Watch List . (7) The National Security Strategy of the United States issued in 2017, 2015, 2006, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1998, and 1997 committed the United States to promoting international religious freedom to advance the security, economic, and other national interests of the United States. 3. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to consider— (1) any alien who, while serving as an official of the Government of Russia, was responsible for or directly or indirectly carried out particularly severe violations of religious freedom in the territory of Ukraine that Russia occupies and controls, or controls through non-state armed groups it commands