Melania Trump’s Visa Under Scrutiny Amid Immigration Policy Debate
Melania Trump arrived in the United States as a young, ambitious model. Like others seeking to work legally in the country, she applied for a visa, eventually obtaining a coveted EB-1 visa in 2001—often referred to as the “Einstein visa.” Before that, she had entered the U.S. in 1996 on a tourist visa, later transitioning to a series of work permits with the help of modeling agency co-owner Paolo Zampolli, who also introduced her to Donald Trump.
Melania went on to have a successful modeling career, and later became First Lady during Donald Trump’s presidency. Now, as her husband pushes for sweeping immigration reforms during his return to the White House, questions about the legitimacy of Melania’s own visa process have resurfaced.
The EB-1 visa is reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. Recipients typically include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, Olympic medalists, or top executives. In 2001, Melania was one of just five Slovenians to receive the visa.
This has led to growing criticism, especially among Democratic lawmakers, about how Melania qualified for such a visa.
During a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) challenged Republicans on what she called “selective outrage” regarding immigration. She questioned why the president’s own family wasn’t subject to the same scrutiny as others.
“It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathin’ here,” Crockett said. “You’re supposed to have notable accomplishments—Olympic medals, a Pulitzer, a Nobel Peace Prize. Last time I checked, Melania had none of those.”
Crockett acknowledged that Melania had a modeling career but added, “And when I say model, I’m not talking Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, or Naomi Campbell level.”
The congresswoman’s remarks sparked heated reactions on social media. Some users defended Melania, accusing Crockett of being envious. One X user wrote: “Rep. Jasmine Crockett disgracefully attacked Melania Trump… Crockett is jealous.”
This isn’t the first time Melania’s immigration history has been questioned. Back in March, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) suggested during a protest that if Trump wanted to examine citizenship and birthright laws more closely, “maybe he ought to first look at Melania.”
“We don’t know whether or not her parents were documented,” Waters said. “And maybe we better just take a look.”
So far, Melania Trump has not publicly responded to these latest criticisms. As immigration remains a central issue in Trump’s platform, the debate around how the former First Lady obtained her visa continues to stir political and public interest.
What are your thoughts on the controversy surrounding Melania Trump’s visa? Join the conversation in the comments below.
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