Melania Trump’s path to U.S. citizenship has drawn criticism as her husband campaigns on tough immigration policies. During a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas challenged why the former First Lady was granted an EB-1 “extraordinary ability” visa—often dubbed the “Einstein visa” and normally reserved for Nobel laureates and Olympic champions. Crockett quipped, “It doesn’t take an Einstein to see the math doesn’t add up,” arguing that Melania’s modeling career didn’t clearly meet that high bar.
Social media quickly exploded with accusations of hypocrisy. One Redditor pointed out the irony of Donald Trump’s harsh stance on immigration while marrying two immigrants, and others sarcastically suggested ICE should drag her away or ship her to Guantánamo Bay—privileges seemingly reserved only for undocumented migrants.
The EB-1 category demands demonstrable “extraordinary ability” in the arts or sciences, a standard critics say Melania’s resume doesn’t satisfy. Some allege that political connections, rather than peer-reviewed accolades or competition results, smoothed her path. The White House has declined to comment, but the uproar underscores a broader debate over whether wealthy or connected individuals receive preferential treatment under U.S. immigration law.
As Trump doubles down on strict border enforcement, questions about his own family’s immigration story continue to fuel charges of double standards. Opponents argue that personal histories like Melania’s complicate his message on fairness and reform, illustrating how the promises of a political campaign can collide with the reality of behind-the-scenes privilege.