Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) recently took aim at First Lady Melania Trump’s immigration status, questioning the legitimacy of her EB-1 visa. This visa, granted to Melania in 2001 during her modeling career, is reserved for immigrants demonstrating “extraordinary ability” in their field. Crockett’s remarks, however, overlooked a detailed New York Times investigation from 2018 that clarified Melania’s eligibility, reigniting a debate about immigration policy and political consistency.
Crockett argued that the EB-1 visa demands significant accomplishments. “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 sustained other extraordinary abilities and success in sciences, art, education, business, or athletics,” she stated.
“Last time I checked, the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt.” She further quipped, “It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathing here.”
The congresswoman also pointed to what she sees as a contradiction in Republican rhetoric. As the federal government reviews visa programs, Crockett questioned the silence from her GOP colleagues.
“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,” she said. Her comments framed Melania’s visa as a potential point of hypocrisy amid Republican pushes for stricter immigration policies.
Yet, Crockett’s critique sidesteps key facts laid out by The New York Times seven years ago. The 2018 article explained that the EB-1 visa, established under the Immigration Act of 1990, requires candidates to meet at least three of ten criteria, such as featuring in major media, showcasing work in artistic exhibitions, or earning a high salary.
Melania, who appeared in prominent publications like British GQ and Sports Illustrated, met these standards. The Times noted that after satisfying these initial requirements, the decision hinges on a subjective “final merits determination” by immigration authorities.
The Times’ sources, including Los Angeles-based lawyer Chris Wright, dismissed the idea that the EB-1 demands genius-level achievements. “The notion that you somehow have to be a genius or Einstein is utter fiction,” Wright said to the Times.
“We have succeeded with models no more accomplished than Melania Trump.” Intriguingly, the article also revealed that even Albert Einstein himself might have struggled to secure an EB-1 visa.
In a test, immigration lawyers reviewed some of Einstein’s early work—without knowing it belonged to him—and came to the conclusion that “it would be very challenging” for him to qualify.
Despite the Times’ findings, Crockett used Melania’s visa to challenge Republican immigration policies, particularly their approach to travel bans and visa revocations. “Nevertheless, what Republicans are doing with this reconciliation process, the travel bans and revoking visas, jeopardizes our national security,” she asserted.
Her remarks suggest a belief that Melania’s visa approval highlights inconsistencies in how immigration standards are applied, fueling a narrative of selective enforcement.
You can watch Crockett’s comments about Melania by clicking on the video below:
Crockett: Melania, the First Lady, a model— when I say model I’m not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, or Naomi Campbell level— applied for an Einstein visa. You’re supposed to have some sort of significant achievement… She had none of those. It doesn’t take an Einstein… pic.twitter.com/u0c1SXJE8I
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 25, 2025
The Fairview Gazette will keep you updated on any news out of Congress.
