"This legislation will fix 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," New Jersey Democrat Frank Pallone said.

The "Spousal Reunification Act" will permit non-immigrant visitors, who are married to or are children of US green card holders residing and working in this country, to visit the US.

Currently, the relatives of legal permanent residents are not allowed to visit the US while they wait for approval of their application.

At present the families of US permanent aliens remain separated owing to the long duration for processing of the application, which is several years in some cases. "This bill would simply make it easier for family members to come to the US on a temporary basis, for events such as holidays and weddings and for those children who wish to attend school," he added.

Pallone said his legislation is necessary, because current law prejudges non-immigrant 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 US.