How did Melania Trump get the Einstein visa to leave Slovenia?
To leave Slovenia, the current American First Lady and at the time a simple model obtained an EB-1 visa, which is however only granted to people with extraordinary abilities. How did she get it?
In 2000, Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model who was dating Donald Trump, worked to secure permanent residency in the United States through a program reserved for people with "extraordinary ability", the EB-1. In March 2001, she received a green card, but this still raises questions, says The Washington Post.
The EB-1 visa is otherwise known as the “Einstein visa,” says Bruce Morrison, a former Democratic Party congressman and immigration expert. That year, when Melania got one, only five Slovenians in total were given green cards under the EB-1 program, according to the US State Department.
For Mr Morrison, Melania Trump's 2001 CV did not appear to meet the requirements for obtaining this visa. In order to earn an EB-1 in the Extraordinary Ability category, an immigrant must demonstrate a major award or meet at least three of the 10 criteria, including proof of commercial success in the art world. or examples of artistic works already exhibited.
"You have to get credentials from someone exceptional and who has a certain reputation, but who can at the same time confirm the progress of the candidate", that is to say from his protege, explained to the BBC Nita Upadhye, US Immigration Specialist. "I'm sure she probably received some pretty important letters, maybe from Donald Trump."
Michael Wildes, lawyer representing the family of Melania Trump, said for his part that the First Lady "was more than widely qualified and solidly eligible".
