Temporary Family Visitation Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 11, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to facilitate temporary family visits for a broader range of relatives while establishing safeguards against overstays and status manipulation.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new nonimmigrant visa category, B(iii), specifically for alien relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to enter the United States temporarily for "family purposes." It defines eligible relatives broadly and sets forth specific requirements for admission, including financial support, medical insurance, a 90-day annual limit, and explicit restrictions on changing or adjusting status from this category.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill addresses a long-standing need for a clear, accessible pathway for extended family members to visit the U.S. for important life events without navigating the complexities and uncertainties of existing tourist visa categories. They contend it strengthens family ties and provides a humane option for temporary visits, especially for those awaiting immigrant visas.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that creating a new visa category could strain consular resources, increase the potential for visa fraud or overstays despite the safeguards, and potentially open new avenues for individuals to enter the U.S. with an underlying intent to remain permanently, even with the explicit restrictions on adjustment of status.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
New Nonimmigrant Visa for Family Purposes
This provision amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new subcategory under the existing B nonimmigrant visa (temporary visitor) specifically for individuals visiting the United States for "family purposes." This formalizes a pathway for relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to visit for events like weddings, funerals, or family gatherings.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision fills a gap in current immigration law, providing a dedicated and transparent mechanism for family visits that is distinct from general tourism or business travel, thereby reducing ambiguity and potential for visa denials based on perceived intent.
Critics contend
Critics might express concern that this new category could lead to an increased volume of visa applications, potentially overwhelming consular processing and creating new administrative burdens, without necessarily improving overall immigration system efficiency.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire to facilitate family reunification for temporary visits with concerns about potential misuse of visa categories and administrative overhead.
Section 2(b), adding INA Section 214(s)(1)
Defining Eligibility for Family Purpose Visas
This section defines "family purposes" broadly to include social, occasional, major life events, religious events, or "any other purpose." It also explicitly defines "relative" to include a wide range of family members: spouse, child, son, daughter, grandchild, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Section 2(b), adding INA Section 214(s)(2)
Safeguards for Temporary Family Visits
To be admissible under the new B(iii) visa, the petitioning U.S. citizen or LPR (or an additional sponsor) must submit a declaration of financial support. The visiting relative must also obtain short-term travel medical insurance or have existing health insurance with international coverage, and must explicitly state their intent to leave the U.S. at the end of their authorized stay.
Section 2(b), adding INA Section 214(s)(3) and (4)
Duration Limits and Accountability for Sponsors
The bill limits the period of authorized admission for B(iii) nonimmigrants to 90 days per calendar year. Furthermore, a U.S. citizen or LPR cannot petition for a B(iii) visa if a previously sponsored relative overstayed their authorized admission. If they have previously sponsored, they must certify that no overstay occurred or provide an explanation for extraordinary circumstances, subject to penalties for false statements.
Section 2(c) and Section 2(d)(2)
Preventing Immigration Pathway Abuse
The bill explicitly prohibits individuals admitted under the new B(iii) visa from changing their nonimmigrant status to another nonimmigrant category while in the U.S. Additionally, being admitted under this visa category does not make an alien eligible to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) from within the United States.
Section 2(d)(1)
Allowing Visits While Awaiting Immigrant Visa
This provision allows individuals who have already been classified as immigrants and are awaiting the availability of an immigrant visa (due to numerical limitations) to still be admitted under the new B(iii) family purpose visa, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. This addresses the "dual intent" issue, where an intent to immigrate permanently often disqualifies individuals from temporary visas.
The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive the application of Section 212(a)(9)(B) (which imposes 3-year or 10-year bars for unlawful presence after an overstay) for B(iii) nonimmigrants who overstayed their period of authorized admission due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Section 2(b), adding INA Section 214(s)(4)(C)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to provide administrative flexibility for unforeseen or exceptional circumstances within a broader set of rules.
Case for: Supporters would argue this provides a crucial safety valve, ensuring that individuals who genuinely face unavoidable circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters) are not permanently penalized for an overstay that was truly beyond their control, allowing for future legitimate visits.
Case against: Critics might argue that such a waiver, even with "extraordinary circumstances" as a qualifier, could create a precedent for leniency that undermines the strict enforcement of visa terms, potentially encouraging some individuals to test the boundaries of what constitutes "extraordinary."
Estimated impact: Likely affects a small number of individuals who experience severe, unforeseen events during their visit, preventing them from being barred from future travel.