Allowing Families To Enjoy Life’s Important Moments Together Without Full Permanent Visa Applications: Reintroducing “The Temporary Family Visitation Act”
Editor’s note: As a child of legal immigrants herself, Rep. Malliotakis is a strong supporter of legal immigration. To that end, she assisted 37 individuals in gaining citizenship through the legal procedures available.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) that would establish a new family-purpose immigrant visa classification under the existing B visa category. The bill would allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for certain close relatives to temporarily visit the United States.
Under the current system, family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents may only apply to visit their relatives through B2 visas. While facilitating family reunions is one of the main pillars of the U.S. immigration policy, the current immigration law lacks a direct path for families to temporarily reunite for family purposes such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, funerals, and holidays.
If enacted, the Temporary Family Visitation Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and will establish a separate nonimmigrant classification under B visa category for family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are residents of countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program for a duration of 90 days.
Additionally, TFVA promotes U.S. national interests by supporting the principle of family reunion while strengthening the economy and reducing unintended immigrant visa applications.
“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.”
“This legislation helps family members mark life’s biggest moments together in person. Families who happen to live in different countries deserve the opportunity to come together and reunite with loved ones for meaningful events. The Temporary Family Visitation Act eases obstacles facing family members of Americans and allows families to experience special occasions together,” said Senator Blumenthal.
TFVA requires:
- The petitioner submit a declaration of financial support under section 213 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- The applicant obtains travel medical insurance or demonstrate existing insurance that covers international medical expenses.
- The applicant expresses intent to depart the United States at the end of their authorized stay.
These requirements dissuade visa overstays by prohibiting the petitioner from using the TFVA if they had previously sponsored a relative who overstayed the 90-day period of authorized admission; it will also provide financial assurance to the U.S. Government.
You can read the Temporary Family Visitation Act, HERE.
Banner Image: Family reunion. Image Credit – Rajiv Perera
