Compassionate Visitor Visa Act

The Compassionate Visitor Visa Act (H.R. 900) would change the visa application process for foreign nationals seeking to visit the United States during family emergencies. Under this bill, the government would presume that individuals are eligible for a temporary visa if they are traveling to attend a funeral or visit a seriously ill family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

For American families, this legislation aims to reduce the burden of proof required to bring relatives into the country during times of crisis. While immigration officials would still deny entry to individuals deemed a security risk or those likely to overstay their visa, the bill shifts the starting assumption in favor of the applicant to help expedite travel for humanitarian reasons.