Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has questioned how former First Lady Melania Trump qualified for the EB-1 visa, commonly known as the “Einstein visa,” in 2001. Speaking at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on June 25, she called attention to what she described as a double standard in former President Donald Trump’s immigration stance.
“Since we’re talking about integrity, I’m confused as to why my Republican colleagues aren’t talking about the lack of integrity when it comes to the president’s family’s visas,” Crockett said.
What is the 'Einstein' visa?
The “Einstein visa” is an informal name for the EB-1 visa, officially called the Employment-Based First Preference visa. It is one of the most selective U.S. green card categories, intended for individuals who have “extraordinary ability” in their field. The EB-1 is divided into three subcategories:
Crockett’s challenge
Crockett raised doubts over Melania’s eligibility, given her background as a model. “Let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa,” she 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.”
“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 EB-1 visa,” she added. “It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin' here.”
Melania Trump was born in Slovenia and first came to the U.S. in 1996 on a tourist visa, which later converted into a work visa as she began modeling in New York. She received her EB-1 visa in 2001, four years before marrying Donald Trump in 2005.
During the same hearing, Cato Institute's immigration policy expert Alex Nowrasteh responded to Crockett’s comments with a light-hearted remark. “Not everybody could marry Donald Trump. And I think that's quite an achievement, so I think she deserves credit for that. Nobody up here could have done it!” he said.
“You sure are right, I couldn't have done it,” Crockett replied.
“Since we’re talking about integrity, I’m confused as to why my Republican colleagues aren’t talking about the lack of integrity when it comes to the president’s family’s visas,” Crockett said.
What is the 'Einstein' visa?
The “Einstein visa” is an informal name for the EB-1 visa, officially called the Employment-Based First Preference visa. It is one of the most selective U.S. green card categories, intended for individuals who have “extraordinary ability” in their field. The EB-1 is divided into three subcategories:
- EB-1A: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- EB-1B: For outstanding professors and researchers.
- EB-1C: For multinational managers and executives.
Crockett’s challenge
Crockett raised doubts over Melania’s eligibility, given her background as a model. “Let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa,” she 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.”
“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 EB-1 visa,” she added. “It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin' here.”
Melania Trump was born in Slovenia and first came to the U.S. in 1996 on a tourist visa, which later converted into a work visa as she began modeling in New York. She received her EB-1 visa in 2001, four years before marrying Donald Trump in 2005.
During the same hearing, Cato Institute's immigration policy expert Alex Nowrasteh responded to Crockett’s comments with a light-hearted remark. “Not everybody could marry Donald Trump. And I think that's quite an achievement, so I think she deserves credit for that. Nobody up here could have done it!” he said.
“You sure are right, I couldn't have done it,” Crockett replied.
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