Bowling Green Today

Dr. Rand Paul and Senator Richard Blumenthal have reintroduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA), which aims to establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant category for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for temporary visas for their family members. Currently, family members can only apply for B2 visas to visit their relatives in the United States.

The TFVA seeks to address the lack of a direct path for families to temporarily reunite for important family events such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, funerals, and holidays. The proposed act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a separate nonimmigrant classification under the B visa category. This new classification would allow family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program to visit for a duration of 90 days.

In addition to facilitating family reunions, the TFVA also aims to support U.S. national interests by strengthening the economy and reducing unintended immigrant visa applications. According to Dr. Rand Paul, the act is a significant step forward in allowing family members to responsibly visit the United States for important occasions. He believes that the legislation will boost the economy through indirect spending and has garnered support from various groups who agree that it is time to allow family members to visit the United States under responsible enforcement mechanisms to prevent overstaying their visas.

Senator Blumenthal also expressed his support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of being present for special family moments. He stated, "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." Senator Blumenthal believes that while it is possible to celebrate these occasions from afar, being physically present makes a significant difference. He is glad to join bipartisan legislation that aims to make it easier for families to mark life's big moments together.

Under the TFVA, certain requirements must be met. Petitioners must sign an affidavit of financial support, and each applicant must purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. These requirements serve to discourage visa overstays and provide financial assurance to the U.S. Government. If a petitioner had previously sponsored a relative who overstayed the 90-day period of authorized admission, they would be prohibited from using the TFVA.

The Temporary Family Visitation Act has the potential to bring families together for important milestones and strengthen the bond between U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and their relatives. The legislation acknowledges the significance of family reunions while also addressing concerns related to immigration and national interests.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-and-senator-richard-blumenthal-reintroduce-the-temporary-family-visitation-act/