New details in Melania Trump visa controversy comes to light

Melania Trump’s receipt of the EB-1 “Einstein visa” has reignited debate over whether she truly deserved this prestigious immigration status reserved for individuals with “extraordinary abilities.” At a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett questioned how Melania qualified for a visa category usually granted to Pulitzer Prize winners, Olympic athletes, or Nobel laureates.

She argued that Melania’s modeling career did not meet the high standard required for the EB-1 visa, saying, “Melania, the first lady, a model—and not at the level of Tyra Banks or Naomi Campbell—was granted an EB-1 visa. The math doesn’t add up.” The EB-1 visa is a highly selective green card reserved for immigrants who demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim in fields like science, education, arts, or athletics.

To qualify, applicants must meet at least three out of ten criteria, such as published work, major awards, high salary, or significant media coverage. Melania Trump, originally from Slovenia, came to the U.S. on a tourist visa in 1996 and later transitioned to work visas with the help of her modeling agent Paolo Zampolli, who introduced her to Donald Trump. She reportedly obtained the EB-1 visa in 2001 and became a U.S. citizen in 2006.

Fact-checking site Snopes investigated the controversy and found it is not unprecedented for models to qualify for such visas if they can prove extraordinary ability. They noted that other models and performers—like Playboy model Shera Bechard and comedian John Oliver—have received similar visas, such as the O-1 visa, which also requires proving exceptional talent.

Surprisingly, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not exclude models from eligibility for the EB-1 visa. If a model can show significant career achievements—such as contracts with top agencies, international magazine covers, or global recognition—they may qualify under the “arts” category. Melania’s portfolio included appearances in major fashion magazines and reputable agencies, which may have met the visa’s requirements even if she was not a household name like Naomi Campbell.

Ultimately, the debate centers on how strictly “extraordinary ability” is interpreted. While critics like Rep. Crockett remain doubtful, the law leaves room for interpretation. Snopes concluded that although Melania’s case may have been unusual, it was not impossible under immigration rules.