Fact Check: Melania Trump's green card may not have been legitimate.

Fact Check: "Melania Trump's green card may not have been legitimate."

What We Know

Melania Trump obtained her U.S. citizenship through an EB-1 visa, often referred to as the "Einstein visa," which is designated for immigrants with "extraordinary ability" and "sustained national and international acclaim" (BBC). She began her application process in 2000 while working as a model in New York and was approved in 2001, making her one of only five individuals from Slovenia to receive this visa that year (BBC).

To qualify for an EB-1 visa, applicants must provide evidence of significant achievements in their field, which can include major awards or meeting at least three of ten specific criteria, such as media coverage or original contributions to their field (BBC). Critics have raised questions about whether Melania Trump met these criteria, as she was not widely recognized as a top international model at the time of her application (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that Melania Trump's green card may not have been legitimate stems from the scrutiny of her qualifications for the EB-1 visa. While she did legally obtain her green card, the debate centers around whether her accomplishments in modeling truly fit the criteria for "extraordinary ability."

Experts in immigration law have noted that the EB-1 visa process can be subjective and that applicants can sometimes succeed based on a well-crafted application rather than universally recognized achievements. Susan McFadden, a visa lawyer, pointed out that it is possible to secure an EB-1 visa without being a household name, as long as the applicant can demonstrate excellence within a narrowly defined field (BBC).

Moreover, Melania's application details have not been publicly disclosed, making it difficult to assess the strength of her case. Reports suggest that she may have benefited from high-profile testimonials, potentially including letters from Donald Trump, which could have significantly bolstered her application (BBC).

While her visa was obtained legally, the lack of transparency and the nature of her accomplishments have led to ongoing skepticism about the legitimacy of her qualifications for the EB-1 visa (Politico, Newsweek).

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "Melania Trump's green card may not have been legitimate" is Partially True. While she did obtain her green card through legal means, the questions surrounding her qualifications for the EB-1 visa and the lack of public evidence supporting her extraordinary ability raise valid concerns. Thus, while the process was legitimate, the appropriateness of her classification remains debatable.