Bowling Green Today

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA). This act aims to establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant category that would allow U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for their family members to obtain temporary visas.

Currently, family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents can only apply for B2 visas to visit their relatives. However, the current immigration law lacks a direct path for families to temporarily reunite for important family events such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, funerals, and holidays.

If enacted, the Temporary Family Visitation Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and establish a separate nonimmigrant classification under the B visa category. This new category would allow family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who are residents of countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, to visit for a duration of 90 days.

Dr. Rand Paul expressed his support for the legislation, stating, "The Temporary Family Visitation Act is a great step forward in allowing family members of U.S. citizens/permanent residents to responsibly visit the United States for memorable occasions such as weddings, births, and graduations. The legislation will strengthen our economy through indirect spending and has the support of a large coalition of groups who agree that it is time to allow family members to visit the United States under responsible enforcement mechanisms to ensure that applicants do not overstay their visa."

Senator Blumenthal also voiced his support, emphasizing the importance of being physically present for special family moments. He said, "This bill is pretty simple: we want to make it easier for close family members to see their grandchildren baptized, their children married, or their nieces and nephews graduate from college. As we've learned, it's possible to celebrate these kinds of special occasions from afar, but it just isn't the same as being there in person. I'm glad to join bipartisan legislation to make it a little easier for families to mark life's big moments together."

To ensure responsible visa usage and discourage overstays, the TFVA includes two important requirements. First, each petitioner must sign an affidavit of financial support. Second, each applicant must purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. These requirements serve as safeguards to prevent visa overstays and provide financial assurance to the U.S. Government.

The Temporary Family Visitation Act aims to balance the principles of family reunion and national interests. By allowing family members to visit the United States for important family events, the act strengthens the economy and reduces unintended immigrant visa applications.

For more information on the Temporary Family Visitation Act, you can read the full text of the legislation on Senator Rand Paul's official website.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-and-senator-richard-blumenthal-reintroduce-the-temporary-family-visitation-act/