WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05) led a bipartisan group of 15 Members to reintroduce the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) to establish a new traveler visa category that allows non-U.S. citizens to temporarily enter the United States for short-term, family-centered events such as weddings, graduations, births, and other major milestones. Under the current system, relatives must rely on a visitor visa and prove they won’t overstay. As a result, individuals seeking to visit loved ones for special occasions often face a higher risk of denial.

“The current system unfairly penalizes families who just want to share life’s important moments together,” said Rep. Peters. “Our commonsense bill allows for families in San Diego, and across the country, to celebrate milestones and improves the visa process without compromising our immigration laws or enforcement.”

“This legislation creates a responsible pathway for families to be together during the big moments in life. I appreciate the support of Rep. Peters as we work to improve upon the visa process with appropriate protections to create responsible pathways to visiting the U.S,” said Rep. Bice.  

“The Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) reunites families for life’s most meaningful moments while safeguarding against visa overstays. By creating a responsible B-3 visa pathway, TFVA strengthens accountability, boosts local economies, and reflects America’s enduring commitment to family values. PAAIA thanks Representatives Peters and Bice, along with Senators Paul and Blumenthal, for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing this vital legislation. Their commitment demonstrates that compassion and responsibility can go hand in hand, and we urge swift congressional action to ensure loved ones can reconnect while protecting against visa misuse,” said Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) Executive Director Neda Bolourchi.

Under current law, family members seeking to visit loved ones in the United States must apply for a B-2 tourism visa, a process in which consular officers assess whether an applicant might overstay their visit. The Temporary Family Visitation Act would establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant visa category specifically intended for relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The application would require the U.S. family member to sign a letter of financial support for the applicant, and for the applicant to declare their intent to leave the U.S. at the appropriate time under the penalty of perjury. U.S. family members are prohibited from sponsoring an applicant if a previously sponsored relative overstayed their visa, with a limited exception for extraordinary circumstances. The bill would also require applicants to purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. This requirement would add a small amount to the overall cost of a trip but would streamline the process, ultimately saving applicants money by reducing the need for multiple applications. The TFVA would prohibit travelers entering the country on a B-3 visa from filing a change of status application while in the U.S.

Reps. Peters and Bice first introduced TFVA in 2021 and again in 2023.

A one-pager of the bill can be found here. Bill text can be found here.

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