Melania Trump’s US citizenship explained after people think they’ve spotted major issues with her visa

Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States, is facing renewed scrutiny over her 2001 “Einstein visa,” officially known as the EB-1 visa, which is typically reserved for individuals with extraordinary talents and international recognition.

Before marrying Donald Trump, Melania was a Slovenian model named Melania Knauss. She was granted the EB-1 visa five years before gaining U.S. citizenship in 2006. A Washington Post investigation raised concerns about whether she truly met the visa’s high standards, which usually apply to elite figures like Nobel Prize winners and Olympic athletes.

Critics on social media are questioning how she qualified, especially as only about 3,300 people received such visas in 2001. The controversy comes while Donald Trump pushes strict immigration policies and plans for mass deportations.

One user noted the irony in Trump targeting student visas while his wife benefited from a program meant for “extraordinary ability.” Representative Jasmine Crockett also questioned Melania’s qualifications during a recent visa reform hearing.

Immigration lawyer Susan McFadden explained that while prestigious achievements help, a skilled attorney can present a strong case through endorsements, industry context, and strategic framing. Letters from high-profile figures, like acclaimed directors in acting cases, can be particularly effective.

Michael Wildes, Melania’s lawyer, defended her visa approval, saying she fully qualified for the EB-1 but emphasized her right to privacy and declined to share further documentation.

The debate continues, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of Melania’s immigration path compared to others facing stricter policies.