FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 13, 2021
Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act that would establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant category allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for their family members for temporary visits. The bill was also introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-52), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), and Jim Himes (D-CT-04).

Under the current system, family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents may only apply to visit their relatives through B2 visas. 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 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, the Temporary Family Visitation Act 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 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,” said Senator Blumenthal. “As we’ve learned over the last year, 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 such a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in introducing legislation to make it a little easier for families to mark life’s big moments together.”

The Temporary Family Visitation Act requires that:

• Each petitioner signs an affidavit of financial support.
• Each applicant must purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay.

These requirements dissuade visa overstays by prohibiting the petitioner from using the Temporary Family Visitation Act 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.

The bill was also introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-52), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), and Jim Himes (D-CT-04).

This legislation is currently endorsed by:

• Libre Initiative
• Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)
• Bienvenido
• RHNA
• Muslims for America
• Sikhs for America
• U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Emgage
• Hindu American Foundation
• Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA
• Iranian American Bar Association
• Pars Equality Center
• SEWA International
• United Macedonia Diaspora
• Asian Business Association of San Diego
• Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce
• Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County
• LA Business Council, Naples Visitor’s Bureau
• San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Chabad of the Bluegrass
• Frontiers of Freedom

“The Hispanic Family ties are very strong: The term “Familia” means honor, and respect for the traditions and values of the family. Hispanic families often gather together to celebrate holidays, birthdays, baptisms, first communions, quinceañeras, funerals , graduations and weddings. It is our pleasure to endorse the TFVA. We commend you for your leadership on this important legislation,” said Betty Cardenas, National Chairwoman, Republican National Hispanic Assembly.

American families, many who are Latinos, are unable under our current visa system to reunite with family for meaningful events in the US.  The Temporary Family Visitation Act makes practical changes to support families and our economy. The Temporary Family Visitation Act allows families to unify for life events while stimulating our economy during their travels. This legislation is an important step towards updating our visa system. We applaud Sen. Paul and Sen. Richard Blumenthal for showing leadership and coming together with a practical solution to support families and local economies,” said Daniel Garza, President, Libre Initiative.

“We believe that this bill is important because it promotes family reunions and at the same time it doesn’t simply open the borders for a flood of immigrants that we cannot possibly absorb in an organized or productive fashion. This bill will also have a positive impact on the U.S economy at a moment where is needed the most. We applaud Senator Rand Paul for his leadership on this legislation,” said George Landrith, President, Frontiers of Freedom.

“Today’s introduction of the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) in both the U.S. Senate and House marks a tremendous victory for the Iranian American community and all Americans with family abroad. The current system for bringing our relatives to the U.S. for a temporary visit is deeply flawed. The new, nonimmigrant B-3 visa established by TFVA will advance the interests of Iranian Americans and countless other communities while also strengthening local economies and promoting a core American value – family. Thanks to the efforts of Sens. Paul and Blumenthal and Reps. Peters, Bice, Salazar and Himes, TFVA offers hope that someday soon, we may be able to share weddings, holidays and much more with those we love. The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) urges Congress to move swiftly to enact this much-needed legislation,” said Leila Austin, Executive Director, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA).

“For our community, the TFVA would be an incredible blessing for many communities who have family overseas. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, the foremost Jewish leader of the modern era, spoke about the families coming together in joy, and the heavenly blessings that brings in our faith. This Act would help enable our community to celebrate and commemorate together,” said Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, Chabad of the Bluegrass.

You can read the Temporary Family Visitation Act, HERE.

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