|
Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) introduced a bill, known as the 'Spousal Reunification Act', today in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation would allow non-immigrant visitors, who are married to or children of permanent resident aliens residing and working in this country, to visit the United States. Permanent resident aliens are individuals who have come into this country legally and are gainfully employed.
“This legislation fixes a harsh provision in our current immigration system that keeps permanent resident aliens separated from their spouses and children, often for periods of several years,” Pallone said. “This bill would simply make it easier for family members to come to the United States on a temporary basis, for events such as holidays and weddings and for those children who wish to attend school.”
Pallone said his legislation is necessary, because current law prejudges nonimmigrant visitors who have petitioned for permanent residency. The lawmaker noted that other types of legal immigrants are able to "sponsor" or bring along family members on their visa during their time in the United States.
A large backlog of immigrant visa applications has made the application process for legal permanent residency for relatives last as long as five years. During this time period, relatives of legal permanent residents are currently not allowed to visit the U.S. while they wait for approval of their application. Under Pallone's legislation, family members could apply for temporary visas, such as for visitor status, while their application was pending. |
