Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Senator Richard Blumenthal have reintroduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA), a bill that aims to establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant category allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for temporary visas for their family members. The current immigration system only permits family members to visit through B2 visas, which does not provide a direct path for temporary reunions for family purposes such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, funerals, and holidays.

The TFVA, if enacted, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and create a separate nonimmigrant classification under the B visa category. This new classification would allow family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who are residents of countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, to obtain temporary visas for a duration of 90 days.

Dr. Rand Paul expressed his support for the bill, stating, "The Temporary Family Visitation Act is a great step forward in allowing family members of U.S. citizens and 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 emphasized the importance of being present for significant family moments, 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 TFVA includes certain requirements that aim to discourage visa overstays and provide financial assurance to the U.S. Government. Each petitioner must sign an affidavit of financial support, and each applicant must purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. These provisions ensure that applicants do not overstay their visa and bear the financial responsibility for their visit.

The Temporary Family Visitation Act has the potential to benefit both U.S. national interests and families seeking to reunite temporarily. It supports the principle of family reunion while also contributing to the economy through indirect spending. By providing a responsible and regulated pathway for family members to visit the United States, the TFVA aims to create a more inclusive and compassionate immigration system.

For more information on the Temporary Family Visitation Act, the full text of the bill can be found on the Senator Rand Paul 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/