Latest news with #EinsteinVisa
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Inspecting claim Melania Trump improperly came to US on EB-1 'Einstein' visa
Why is there not a rating on this post? There's not enough verified evidence for us to definitively confirm or debunk this rumor. Contact us if you have credible information to share. We'll update this post as necessary. In June 2025, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, expressed doubt that first lady Melania Trump had legitimately qualified for a so-called "Einstein visa" — as employment-based visas for people with extraordinary abilities are known — to become a permanent resident, and then a citizen, of the U.S. "The math ain't mathin'," Crockett said during a June 25 congressional hearing as she explained that the first lady had arrived in the U.S. on such an EB-1 visa. Footage from the hearing was available on YouTube: Starting around the 1:48 mark in the video, Crockett said: Let me remind y'all that Melania the first lady, a model — and when I say model, I'm not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell-level — applied for and was given an EB-1 visa. And what that stands for is an Einstein visa. Now y'all that don't know, let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa: 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 other sustained extraordinary abilities and success in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. Last time I checked, the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt. It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin' here. Several Facebook posts relayed Crockett's claim. Indeed, in 2018, The Washington Post reported that Melania Trump, then Melania Knauss, had petitioned the government for a "green card" — permanent residency in the U.S. — under the highly coveted EB-1 visa in 2000. Knauss was then a model who had completed a few high-profile jobs, including a large advertisement for cigarettes in Times Square and a photograph of her in a bikini with an inflatable whale for Sports Illustrated. Her visa was approved and she was then able to sponsor her parents for permanent residency in the country, according to the Post. Snopes was not able to independently obtain confirmation that Trump had indeed obtained this visa or to secure information about the specific decision process behind her reportedly successful application for one. Therefore, we have left the claim unrated. We contacted her then-lawyer, Michael Wildes — who was mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, from 2004 to 2010 and was elected mayor again in 2018 — asking for confirmation that Trump immigrated on the EB-1 visa, and we will update this report should he respond. The website for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says that three categories of people are eligible for the EB-1 visa: people with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers and certain multinational managers or executives. Trump belonged to neither of the latter two categories, so if she obtained an EB-1 visa, it was under the first category: people with extraordinary abilities. In fact, models can qualify for this visa under certain conditions. The EB-1 immigrant visa is by no means the only visa a model or performer can apply for to work in the U.S. Others are the O-1A or O-1B visas, which are nonimmigrant visas valid for three years. For example, the comedian John Oliver came to the U.S. on an O-1 visa, which he had to renew several times before obtaining permanent residency. The former Playboy model Shera Bechard also obtained this temporary "genius" visa. Both the EB-1 and the O-1 visas require the applicant to demonstrate extraordinary abilities. The EB-1 does not require the applicant to receive a job offer, but the criteria are hard to meet and few such visas are granted each year. However, this does not preclude successful models from obtaining them. Models who enjoy a certain level of recognition and celebrity, with substantial incomes can qualify for this path to residency and possibly citizenship, according to several experts interviewed by The New York Times. Ultimately, however, everything indicates that there is a degree of arbitrariness in the decision to approve EB-1 visas, and much rests on the immigration officer who makes that decision, which can result in lawsuits. In sum, it is not improbable that a working model might have received the right to permanently reside in the U.S. based on her extraordinary abilities. This is not the first rumor about Melania Trump that Snopes has investigated. For more, see our collection of 23 rumors about the first lady. Admin User. "District Court Rules in College's Favor in EB-1 Case - Miller Mayer Law Firm." Miller Mayer Law Firm, 19 Dec. 2023, Accessed 2 July 2025. "Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1 | USCIS." 23 Nov. 2020, Accessed 2 July 2025. Jordan, Mary. "Questions Linger about How Melania Trump, a Slovenian Model, Scored 'the Einstein Visa.'" The Washington Post, Mar. 2018, Accessed 2 July 2025. Jordan, Miriam. "Did Melania Trump Merit an 'Einstein Visa'? Probably, Immigration Lawyers Say." The New York Times, 4 Mar. 2018, Accessed 2 July 2025. Martinelli, Marissa. "John Oliver Breaks down the Four Major Paths to Legal U.S. Immigration, Including His Own." Slate Magazine, Slate, 16 Sept. 2019, Accessed 2 July 2025. McBride, Sarah. "Should Playboy Playmate Have Received 'Genius' Visa?" NBC News, 29 June 2012, Accessed 2 July 2025. "O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement | USCIS." 29 May 2020, Accessed 2 July 2025. "Rep. Jasmine Crockett: Visas, Hypocrisy, and the Einstein Math That Ain't Mathin'." 25 June 2025, Accessed 2 July 2025. Shore, Rebecca. #TBT to That Time Donald Trump's Future Wife Cozied up to an Inflatable Killer Whale. 23 Oct. 2014, Accessed 2 July 2025. "Staff Directory • Michael Wildes." 2018, Accessed 2 July 2025. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Melania Trump visits Children's National Hospital
Melania Trump made a surprise visit to Children's National Hospital for a patriotic arts session in honor of July 4th. The first lady joked about her husband's love of golf when kids asked if she shared the President Donald Trump 's love of the sport. 'No, I don't play golf,' she laughed, but disclosed that she used to play. The visit comes as her citizenship is under scrutiny after Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Penn.) questioned if former model turned First Lady truly qualified for the 'Einstein visa' that garnered her entry into the United States. An online petition is circulating calling for her deportation as her husband's administration cracks down on migrants who entered the United States illegally. On Thursday, the first lady's focus was on the Fourth of July holiday. She joined the children in the hospital's Healing Garden to paint rocks, cups and other items with patriotic decorations. Sitting with nine former and current patients of the children's hospital, Trump joined-in for an art project. 'Welcome First Lady Melania Trump,' read a sign made by the young artists. The first lady told the kids: 'You look beautiful.' She brought goodie bags with blankets and teddy bears with 'Best Best' t-shirts. The kids went outside after their crafts session with Trump to use their art to decorate the garden at the hospital. She also unveiled a new flower - the 'External Flame' hybrid tea rose, which is a highly fragrant yellow rose. Following her visit to the healing garden, Trump is making private visits with heart and kidney transplant patients. The first lady has made children's wellbeing a priority through her Be Best program. Trump visited the hospital every year around Christmas during her first tenure as first lady. It is a longtime tradition for the spouse of a president to visit the children's care center around the holidays. After the hospital visit, she will join President Trump in the Oval Office to meet with freed Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander and his family. Alexander was held hostage by Hamas for 584 days in Gaza and was released in May as a 'good will gesture,' by the terrorist group. On Friday, the first lady and the president will host a military picnic on the South Lawn and view the fireworks that evening.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Melania Trump jokes about her husband's favorite sport as she surprises sick kids at Children's Hospital
Melania Trump made a surprise visit to Children's National Hospital for a patriotic arts session in honor of July 4th. The first lady joked about her husband's love of golf when kids asked if she shared the President Donald Trump 's love of the sport. 'No, I don't play golf,' she laughed, but disclosed that she used to play. Nine former and current patients of the hospital in Washington, D.C. sat with Trump for an art session with Trump. She even invited the group to come to the White House for the 250th Independence Day celebration next year on July 4, 2026 and told them about the upcoming celebration including the fireworks show and F14 flyovers. The visit comes as her citizenship is under scrutiny after Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Penn.) questioned if Trump truly qualified for the 'Einstein visa' that garnered her entry into the United States. Trump moved to New York in 1996 on the EB-1 visa – known as the Einstein visa as it's for workers with special skills. The first lady, who was born in Slovenia, was working as a model when she met Donald Trump. The two married and she became a citizen in 2006. Now an online petition is circulating, calling for her deportation as her husband's administration cracks down on migrants who entered the United States illegally. But, on Thursday, the first lady's focus was on the Fourth of July holiday. She joined the children in the hospital's Healing Garden to paint rocks, cups and other items with patriotic decorations. Sitting with nine former and current patients of the children's hospital, Trump joined-in for an art project. 'Welcome First Lady Melania Trump,' read a sign made by the young artists. The first lady told the kids: 'You look beautiful.' She brought goodie bags with blankets and teddy bears with 'Best Best' t-shirts. The kids went outside after their crafts session with Trump to use their art to decorate the garden at the hospital. She also unveiled a new flower - the 'External Flame' hybrid tea rose, which is a highly fragrant yellow rose. Following her visit to the healing garden, Trump is making private visits with heart and kidney transplant patients. The first lady has made children's wellbeing a priority through her Be Best program. Trump visited the hospital every year around Christmas during her first tenure as first lady. It is a longtime tradition for the spouse of a president to visit the children's care center around the holidays. After the hospital visit, she will join President Trump in the Oval Office to meet with freed Hamas hostage Edan Alexander and his family. On Friday, she and the president will host a military picnic on the South Lawn and view the fireworks that evening. First ladies going back to Bess Truman have been patrons of the Children's National Hospital, which is one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What are O-1 and EB-1 visas? Eligibility, categories and all you need to know about ‘Einstein visa'
The Donald Trump administration has intensified rules regarding the popular work and student visas, citing national security and public safety. Applicants are now required to mention their social media usernames or handles which they have used in the last five years and make them public to conduct enhanced screening. O-1 and EB-1 visas: Check eligibility, categories and more Due to this, several people, including skilled professionals and students from India, have started looking for new, elite immigration pathways to enter the United States. A few of these popular options include the O-1 visa and the EB-1A visa, which is also known as the 'Einstein visa.' These visa options are suitable for professionals in various fields like education, science, business, arts, and athletics. The non-immigrant visa can be obtained by individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their respective fields or hold a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry, getting well recognised nationally or internationally, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is mainly classified into two categories: O-1A: People showing extraordinary ability in science, education, business or athletics. O-1B: Those having extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry. This visa option remains valid for up to three years, with the possibility of extension. Also, there is no cap on an O-1 visa, and its approval rate is nearly 93%. On the other hand, the H-1B visa's approval rate is a mere 37%. The O-1 visa option is costly and could fall anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. As per the official data, more than 22,600 O-1 visas were issued last year, compared to 18,894 in 2023. EB-1A (Einstein Visa) Meant for people demonstrating extraordinary ability in various fields and have achieved 'national or international acclaim,' including Pulitzer, Oscar, Olympic Medal and others. Several aspects are considered before granting the EB-1A visa. For this category, people are required to apply by filing Form I-140. (Read More: EB-1 Visa: Eligibility criteria and categories explained for H-1B alternative) FAQs: 1. Which visa applications in the US need social media vetting? It is being done for student and exchange visitor applications under F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. 2. What's the need for social media vetting? The Donald Trump administration will review applicants' presence on social media, such as platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram. 3. Which visa is called the Einstein Visa? The EB-1A green card (immigrant) category is often dubbed the Einstein visa.
Mint
28-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
EB-1 Visa: What is the 'Einstein visa' that agents are ‘guaranteeing'? Eligibility, categories — All you need to know
EB-1 visa: As the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on visas intensifies, attention is shifting to the EB-1 visa – with the category being touted as a suitable alternative to the H-1B visa, for those who meet the eligibility for the same. Although the EB-1 visa – colloquially known as the 'Einstein Visa' is reserved for people with 'extraordinary talent' — a report by The Print claims that a growing network of agents offering "guaranteed EB-1 visas" is flooding platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Telegram. As per the report, agents are offering ghostwriting research papers, manufacturing acclaim— all of which give researchers an edge in their visa application. What is this EB-1 visa that everyone is talking about? What makes a person eligible? Livemint explains. Colloquially known as the 'Einstein Visa', the EB-1 category is reserved for people who are 'aliens of extraordinary ability', are 'outstanding professor or researchers'. Donald Trump often uses the term "alien" to refer to non-citizens, especially undocumented immigrants. His usage is typically in the context of border security, illegal immigration, and deportation policies. The EB-1 visa, meant for the people with 'extraordinary abilities' spans across the three categories, each having its respective set of 'evidence' that a person needs to prove: Extraordinary Ability Outstanding professors and researchers Certain multinational manager or executive EB-1 Category Who can apply Eligibility Extraordinary Ability Applicant must be able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim Evidence of one-time achievement such as Pulitzer, Oscar is required, or evidence of 3 of the following: Receipt of lesser nationally/internationally known prizes or awards of excellence Articles or media coverage about applicant in prominent industry publications or major news outlets Documentation showing applicant was appointed to judge others' work, either independently or as part of a panel Evidence of original and significant contributions respective field Proof of authoring scholarly articles published in respected journals or major industry media Records showing work has been featured in notable exhibitions or public showcases Applicant has held a leading or essential role in reputable and distinguished organizations Documentation of high earnings or substantial compensation compared to others in the same profession Proof of commercial success in the performing arts Outstanding Professors and Researchers One must demonstrate international recognition for outstanding achievements in a particular academic field. Must have at least 3 years experience in teaching or research in that academic arena. Must be entering United States in order to pursue tenure or tenure track teaching or a comparable research position at a university, institution of higher education, or private employer. Applicant needs to meet two of the following criteria: Proof that you've received major awards or honors in recognition of your exceptional accomplishments Documentation of membership in professional associations that require notable achievements for entry Articles or publications written by others that discuss applicant's academic work in recognised journals or outlets Evidence of evaluating peers' works either independently or as part of a review panel, within your academic or related field Proof of original and impactful research or scientific contributions to the applicant's discipline Documentation showing the person has authored scholarly books or articles published in internationally circulated academic journals Certain Multinational manager or executive Must have been doing business for at least 1 year, and have a qualifying relationship to the entity the person worked for outside the US, and intend to employ you in a managerial or executive capacity. Employer must be a US employer and intends to employ the person in a managerial or executive capacity. For those applying under the Extraordinary Ability category, you need to apply yourself by filing a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, states the USCIS. For the Outstanding Professors and Researchers category, the US employer is required to fill Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. As part of the application process, the employer is also required to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay the offered wage such as annual report, or federal income tax returns. For Multinational Manager or Executive, the US employer is required to file USCIS Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. The employer must also be able to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay the offered wage, as in the case of Outstanding Professors and Researchers. Although the criteria for EB-1 visa is slightly more demanding than the H-1B visa, the program is a standard means of acquiring a green card to be a US resident. With the tightening visa rules, the EB-1 visa provides a suitable alternative to H-1B visa for those who meet the required eligibility criteria.
