In the early 2000s, Melania Trump received her US visa, and it stirred up quite a discussion. This visa, often dubbed the “Einstein visa”, raised eyebrows for some. Recently, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who is a Democrat, questioned how Melania qualified for a visa meant for individuals with “extraordinary abilities.”
Was it appropriate for Melania to be granted this visa? The fact-checking website Snopes has delved into this case, and its findings might surprise you, suggesting the matter might not be as contentious as initially perceived.
Back in 2000, Melania, then an up-and-coming model, sought a work visa to establish herself in the US. Paolo Zampolli, one of the heads at Metropolitan Models, discovered her and facilitated her application. Interestingly, he also introduced Melania to Donald Trump.
Melania had been visiting the US since 1996, initially on a tourist visa, which later transitioned into several work visas, according to her legal representative as reported by Newsweek.
By 2001, Melania Trump attained the EB-1 Visa, infamously known as the “Einstein visa.” The US Citizenship and Immigration Services website specifies this visa for individuals recognized for “extraordinary ability, being an outstanding professor or researcher, or serving in particular multinational executive or managerial roles.”
Typical recipients of the visa include laureates of the Pulitzer Prize, Oscar winners, and Olympic champions, among other highly accomplished individuals. There are several stringent criteria that a candidate must satisfy to be eligible for the “Einstein Visa.”
Congresswoman’s Inquiry into Melania Trump’s Visa
Given Melania’s acquisition of this visa, a congresswoman recently raised questions about its legitimacy. Just last week, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat, voiced her concerns during a House Judiciary Committee session.
“Why aren’t we scrutinizing the integrity of the president’s family’s visa processes?” Jasmine Crockett asked. “An Einstein visa is typically awarded for significant achievements like a Nobel Peace Prize, a Pulitzer, an Olympic medal, or other consistent extraordinary accomplishments in areas like science, arts, education, business, or sports. By my last assessment, the first lady hasn’t accumulated any such accolades.”
Jasmine elaborated, “Melania, our first lady and a model — and I mean not at the level of icons like Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, or Naomi Campbell — applied for and received an EB1 visa. It doesn’t take a genius to realize there’s a mismatch here.”
Jasmine Crockett’s remarks invited mixed reactions, with some people disagreeing vehemently. Questions about Melania’s entitlement to US citizenship or even the visa have surfaced multiple times. However, Snopes, the fact-checking site, has re-evaluated the issue, hinting that Melania’s acquisition of the “Einstein visa” might not be too far fetched.
Fact-checkers Suggest Melania May Have Qualified
Snopes, although unable to definitively confirm if Melania received the EB-1 visa, noted that other individuals in the modeling profession have acquired either the EB-1 or the O-1 visas, both necessitating proof of extraordinary abilities.
The requirements for the EB-1 and the O-1 visas are centered around showcasing exceptional skills. As Snopes explained, “If Trump obtained an EB-1, it would have been under the category for those of extraordinary talent.”
Furthermore, the modeling industry does permit such visa qualifications under specific conditions. While the EB-1 is one path, models or performers can also opt for the nonimmigrant O-1A or O-1B visas valid for three years. For instance, comedian John Oliver initially came to the US on an O-1 visa, and former Playboy model Shera Bechard successfully obtained this temporary “genius” visa.
In conclusion, Snopes suggests it’s plausible for a working model to earn the right to reside permanently in the US on the grounds of extraordinary abilities.
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