Melania Trump’s 2001 immigration journey is once again under scrutiny, focusing on how she obtained the prestigious EB-1 visa, often called the “Einstein Visa.” At the time, Melania was a Slovenian model trying to build a career in New York. Her eventual rise to First Lady only intensified interest in whether her path to residency met the rigorous EB-1 standards.

The EB-1 visa is typically reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in their field, such as Nobel Prize winners or Olympic athletes. In 2001, Melania was granted this visa, sparking questions about how a model without globally recognized accolades qualified for a category designed for top-tier achievers. Only a few individuals from each country receive this visa annually.

During a recent House Judiciary hearing, Rep. Jasmine Crockett questioned the validity of Melania’s qualifications, suggesting her modeling career didn’t match the level of international acclaim expected for EB-1 recipients. Crockett argued that while Melania’s career was legitimate, it lacked the prestige associated with established icons like Naomi Campbell or Cindy Crawford.

Republicans defended Melania’s eligibility, citing her international modeling work, high earnings, and appearances in major magazines as fulfilling at least three of the ten EB-1 criteria. Critics, however, argue that these accomplishments are minor compared to the globally recognized benchmarks typically required for this visa category.

The broader debate centers on fairness in the immigration system. Melania’s case raises important questions about whether influential figures receive preferential treatment and whether immigration standards are applied equally—regardless of fame, wealth, or political connections.