A recent congressional hearing titled “Restoring Integrity in the Visa Process” has renewed debate over the circumstances surrounding former First Lady Melania Trump’s immigration to the United States, particularly her receipt of the prestigious EB-1 visa—often referred to as the “Einstein visa.”
During the hearing, Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) sharply criticized what she characterized as a double standard in the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Highlighting the former First Lady’s visa approval, Crockett questioned how Melania Trump, a fashion model without widely recognized accolades, qualified for a visa designed for individuals with “extraordinary ability.”
“Melania, the First Lady, a model—when I say model, I am not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, or Naomi Campbell-level—was applied for and given an EB-1 visa,” Crockett remarked. “Last time I checked, the First Lady had none of the accolades under her belt. Doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathin’ here.”
The EB-1 visa is a first-preference, employment-based visa reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their field. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applicants in the EB-1A category (Extraordinary Ability) must either possess a one-time, major internationally recognized award or meet at least three of ten specified criteria, such as published material about the applicant, original contributions of major significance, and a record of leading roles in distinguished organizations.
Melania Trump, then Melania Knauss, applied for the EB-1 visa in 2000 and was approved in 2001 while working as a fashion model in New York and dating real estate mogul Donald Trump. At the time, she had been featured in high-profile publications such as British GQ and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. However, her modeling portfolio did not reflect the international acclaim or singular achievements typically associated with EB-1A recipients.
That year, only five Slovenian nationals received EB-1 visas, underscoring the visa’s exclusivity. Despite longstanding public speculation, the precise documentation submitted in support of her application has not been disclosed.
Melania Trump became a U.S. citizen in 2006 and subsequently sponsored her parents for green cards through the family reunification process. Ironically, this is the same legal pathway that former President Donald Trump has frequently criticized and sought to restrict during his administration.
The EB-1 visa remains one of the few employment-based immigration options not subject to annual caps or lotteries, unlike the H-1B visa. It comprises three subcategories:
EB-1A: Individuals of extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
EB-1B: Outstanding professors and researchers with international recognition and at least three years of experience.
EB-1C: Multinational executives and managers transferred to a U.S. branch of their company.
In fiscal year 2025, approximately 40,000 EB-1 visas are expected to be issued across all three categories.
The controversy surrounding Melania Trump’s immigration history underscores broader concerns about fairness, transparency, and integrity in the U.S. visa system—especially in cases involving high-profile individuals.
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