Bowling Green Today

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA), which aims to establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant category that would allow U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for temporary visas for their family members. This legislation seeks to address the current limitations within the immigration system that only permits family members to visit their relatives through B2 visas.

"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," said Dr. Paul. "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 added, "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."

If enacted, the Temporary Family Visitation Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, establishing a separate nonimmigrant classification under the B visa category. This new category would apply to family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are residents of countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing them to stay in the United States for a duration of 90 days. By creating this new visa category, the legislation promotes the principle of family reunion while also strengthening the economy and reducing unintended immigrant visa applications.

The TFVA also includes certain requirements to ensure responsible usage of the visa. Each petitioner must sign an affidavit of financial support, and each applicant must purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. These measures aim to discourage visa overstays, as the petitioner will be prohibited from using the TFVA if they had previously sponsored a relative who overstayed the 90-day period of authorized admission. Additionally, the financial assurance provided to the U.S. Government through these requirements further strengthens the legislation.

The Temporary Family Visitation Act represents a significant step towards facilitating family reunions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to come together for important family events such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, funerals, and holidays. It recognizes the value of personal connection and seeks to provide an avenue for families to celebrate these meaningful moments in person.

To learn more about the Temporary Family Visitation Act, you can read the legislation on Senator Rand Paul's official website.

Source: Senator Rand Paul

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/