The Temporary Family Visitation Act Reintroduced in Congress
Bipartisan Legislation Would Create a New Visa for Short-Term Family Visits
Washington, D.C. – Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA), legislation that creates a new nonimmigrant visa category to allow relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to visit the United States for family purposes. The bill is led in the House by Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK). On the Senate side, the bill is sponsored by Rand Paul (R-KY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
For millions of Americans with family abroad, current visa options are limited, unpredictable, and often inaccessible, especially when it comes to reuniting for life’s most meaningful moments. The TFVA aims to change that by offering a legal, structured way for families to temporarily reunite for events like weddings, funerals, graduations, and caregiving emergencies.
What the TFVA Does
The Temporary Family Visitation Act establishes a new B-3 nonimmigrant visa category, specifically designed for short-term family visits. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents would be able to petition for relatives—including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others—to visit for up to 90 days.
To ensure that visits are temporary and fiscally responsible, the TFVA requires:
- A signed deceleration of financial support from the sponsoring U.S. family member
- Travel medical insurance coverage for the duration of the visit
- Relatives limited to 90 day stay and sign a declaration affirming their intent to leave at the conclusion of stay A ban on adjustment of visa status while in the U.S.
- Restrictions on future sponsorship if a previously sponsored relative overstayed their visit
- Certification requirement for repeat petitioners, subject to criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
These measures balance family access with compliance and accountability, ensuring the new visa category supports lawful, short-term reunification.
Why It Matters
Under current immigration law, there is no visa category specifically intended for short-term family reunification. Family members must apply for B-2 visitor visas, which are often denied, especially when applicants have strong ties to relatives in the U.S. This results in many Americans being unable to have their loved ones present for important milestones.
The TFVA addresses this policy gap directly. It creates a pathway for family members to visit temporarily without undermining immigration enforcement or encouraging visa overstays. By limiting the duration of visits, requiring financial and medical safeguards, and restricting status changes, the legislation ensures that visits remain lawful, meaningful, and temporary.
The bill also has clear economic benefits. According to the U.S. Travel Association, international visitors to the United States spend an average of $5,000 per trip—benefiting small businesses, local economies, and the hospitality sector.
Broad Bipartisan and Community Support
The TFVA has earned support from a wide range of organizations, including the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), National Immigration Forum, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hindu American Foundation, Iranian American Bar Association, Pars Equality Center, Niskanen Center, Iranian American Democrats of California, Republican National Hispanic Assembly, LA Business Council, and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, among many others.
This broad coalition reflects the bill’s rare consensus appeal. The TFVA offers a practical, compassionate solution to a long-standing problem and ensures that Americans are not separated from their families due to outdated policy.
The TFVA has also earned strong bipartisan support in Congress, with original cosponsors including Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Dave Minn (D-CA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Jim Himes (D-CT), Cory Mills (R-FL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Jimmy Pannetta (D-CA), Gabe Evans (R-CO), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL)
Take Action
PAAIA strongly supports the TFVA and encourages members of Congress to cosponsor and advance this important legislation.
Use the action alert to contact your elected officials and urge them to support the TFVA.
Together, we can help ensure that families are able to share their most important moments—while maintaining the integrity of our visa system.
