Melania Trump's immigration history came under sharp scrutiny during a heated House Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday, as Democratic lawmakers criticized what they described as hypocrisy in the Trump administration's visa policy while raising questions about the First Lady's eligibility for the prestigious EB-1 visa.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, questioned how the former model qualified for the "Einstein visa," a category designed for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in science, arts, education, or business. "Let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa," Crockett said. "You're supposed to have some sort of significant achievement, like being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize or a Pulitzer; being an Olympic medalist; or having other sustained extraordinary abilities and success in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Last time I checked the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt."
Crockett accused Republican lawmakers of selective outrage over visa enforcement, criticizing aggressive deportation tactics and travel bans while ignoring questions about visas obtained by individuals close to the president. "Why aren't we talking about integrity when it comes to the president's family's visas?" she asked.
Melania Trump received her EB-1 visa in 2001, a year when just five individuals from Slovenia were granted green cards under that category, according to State Department statistics cited by The Washington Post. At the time, she had appeared on the cover of British GQ and other magazines during a modeling career based in New York.
"Melania, the first lady, a model-and when I say model I'm not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell-level-applied for and was given an EB1 visa," Crockett said. She concluded her remarks with a jab: "It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin' here."
Alex Nowrasteh, vice president of economic and social policy at the libertarian Cato Institute and a witness at the hearing, responded: "Not everybody could marry Donald Trump, and I think that's quite an achievement, so I think she deserves credit for that." Crockett replied, "You sure are right, I couldn't have done it."
The exchange comes as President Trump pushes sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system, including a visa and travel ban on 19 countries and executive action targeting Harvard's student visa program. The administration has also broadened social media screenings for visa applicants and stressed national security concerns.
Michael Wildes, Melania Trump's attorney, previously stated: "Mrs. Trump obtained her Green Card legally and was more than amply qualified and solidly eligible for the Extraordinary Ability Green Card."
Melania Trump, who has kept a low public profile since her husband began his second term, has not responded to the criticism. Her most recent appearances included the U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary Parade on June 14 and a red carpet event at the Kennedy Center.
