Fact check: How did Melania Trump obtain her green card in 2001?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that Melania Trump obtained her green card in 2001 through the EB-1 program, which is reserved for individuals with 'extraordinary ability' and 'sustained national and international acclaim' ^{[1] [2]}. This program is also known as the 'Einstein Visa' ^[1]. According to the sources, Melania Trump was one of five people from Slovenia to receive a green card through this program in 2001 ^[1]. The sources also mention that she was a model and had been featured in runway shows in Europe and the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated ^[2], and that she was dating Donald Trump when she received her green card ^[2]. Additionally, it is reported that Melania Trump had worked as a model in the US before obtaining a work visa, having been paid for 10 modeling jobs before she had legal permission to work in the country ^[3]. A letter from her immigration attorney, Michael Wildes, states that she first came to the United States on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa and then obtained an H-1B work visa before becoming a lawful permanent resident in 2001 ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources suggest that the criteria for the EB-1 visa are strict, but the reality of obtaining one can be more prosaic, and an experienced lawyer can help bring out attractive aspects of a client's background to increase their chances of approval ^[1]. However, other sources note that the decision to approve an EB-1 visa can be arbitrary, resting on the immigration officer's judgment ^[5]. Additionally, there is controversy surrounding Melania Trump's EB-1 visa, with some questioning whether she met the necessary criteria ^[5]. It is also mentioned that models can qualify for this visa under certain conditions ^[5]. The sources highlight the need for applicants to either win a major international award or meet at least three out of ten listed criteria ^[6], and that interpretation of the eligibility criteria can vary, with critics arguing that the visa's flexibility allows for loopholes ^[6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks how Melania Trump obtained her green card in 2001, but does not provide any context or information about her immigration status or work history ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}. The sources suggest that Melania Trump's immigration history is more complex, and that she had worked as a model in the US before obtaining a work visa ^[3]. The sources also imply that the EB-1 visa program can be subject to interpretation and criticism, with some questioning whether Melania Trump met the necessary criteria ^[5]. The beneficiaries of the EB-1 visa program include high-skilled workers and individuals with extraordinary ability, such as models, athletes, and artists ^{[1] [5] [6]}. The beneficiaries of the controversy surrounding Melania Trump's EB-1 visa include critics of the Trump administration and those who argue that the visa program is flawed ^[5].