Melania Trump received a U.S. EB-1 visa—nicknamed the “Einstein visa”—in 2001, sparking controversy due to its criteria for individuals with “extraordinary abilities.” Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett recently questioned how Melania, a model at the time, qualified for a visa typically reserved for top achievers like Nobel or Olympic winners.
Melania had been in the U.S. since 1996 on tourist and work visas, with modeling agent Paolo Zampolli helping her apply for the EB-1. Critics argue she lacked the accolades required, but fact-checking site Snopes found that models can qualify under certain conditions. While it’s unclear if she definitively received an EB-1, others in modeling and entertainment have secured similar visas.
Snopes concluded it’s not improbable that a model with recognized success could obtain such a visa, suggesting Melania’s case may not be as unusual as critics claim.