Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Senator Richard Blumenthal have reintroduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) in a bid to establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant category. This category 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 existing immigration law does not provide a direct path for families to temporarily reunite for important family events such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, funerals, and holidays.

The Temporary Family Visitation Act seeks to address this gap by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act. If enacted, it will establish a separate nonimmigrant classification under the B visa category. This classification will apply to family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are residents of countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, and it will be valid for a duration of 90 days.

Dr. Rand Paul, one of the sponsors of the bill, 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 Richard Blumenthal also emphasized the importance of the bill, saying, "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."

The Temporary Family Visitation Act includes measures to ensure responsible visa usage. It requires each petitioner to sign an affidavit of financial support and mandates that each applicant purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. These requirements aim to discourage visa overstays and provide financial assurance to the U.S. Government.

The reintroduction of the Temporary Family Visitation Act reflects the importance of family reunification in U.S. immigration policy. By facilitating temporary visits for family purposes, the bill aligns with the principle of family reunion while also strengthening the economy and reducing unintended immigrant visa applications.

For more information on the Temporary Family Visitation Act, you can read the full document here.

This article is based on a press release from Senator Rand Paul's official website.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-and-senator-richard-blumenthal-reintroduce-the-temporary-family-visitation-act/