Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) questioned first lady Melania Trump’s reported “Einstein visa” at a House hearing Wednesday.

“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,” Crockett said.

“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,” the Texas Democrat added. “It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathin’ here.”

The Washington Post has reported that Trump in 2001 was given a green card via the elite EB-1 program. The program has been used by people such as academic researchers and multinational business executives, as well as people who have demonstrated “sustained national and international acclaim,” according to the Post.

Crockett’s comments came amid already heightened tensions over immigration in the U.S. as President Trump and his administration pursue an immigration crackdown.

The Trump administration has recently looked to social media more as a national security tool to vet immigrants, raising concerns the action could result in a chilling effect on political speech in the U.S.

The State Department announced earlier this month it was relaunching interviews and processing foreign student visas, with applicants having to make their social media accounts public for vetting or face possible denial.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

“Rep. Jasmine Crockett Questions Melania Trump’s ‘Einstein Visa’ at House Hearing, Sparking Debate on Immigration and Privilege”

In a fiery moment during a House hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) raised eyebrows and ignited a national conversation when she questioned First Lady Melania Trump’s eligibility for an elite U.S. visa known as the “Einstein visa” or EB-1 visa. This visa, granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities and national or international acclaim in fields like science, arts, education, business, or athletics, has long been a point of contention, especially as it pertains to high-profile figures like Trump, who received this visa in 2001. Crockett’s remarks come amid a broader, ongoing debate about immigration policies and the discrepancies that often exist between the wealthy and politically connected versus ordinary citizens seeking a path to citizenship.

Crockett, an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and an immigrant herself, did not hold back during her comments, pointing out that Melania Trump, despite her career as a model, did not meet the typical qualifications for the EB-1 visa. Her sharp words were aimed at shedding light on what she perceived as an abuse of privilege by those in the Trump family, who have long benefited from political power, fame, and wealth.

“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,” Crockett said, highlighting the prestigious nature of the 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.”

Crockett’s pointed question—”Last time I checked, the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt”—was aimed at drawing attention to what she viewed as a glaring inconsistency in the system, where highly influential individuals like Melania Trump were granted advantages in the immigration system that others, who are equally deserving, might never receive.

The EB-1 Visa and the Controversy Surrounding It

The EB-1 visa is one of the most exclusive pathways for legal immigration into the United States. Designed for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills and recognition in their fields, it has been awarded to Nobel laureates, academic researchers, high-level executives, and accomplished artists. The visa, which grants permanent residency, was meant to attract the best and the brightest from around the world, helping to maintain the U.S.’s competitive edge in various industries.

However, the visa has also been criticized for the way it has been granted to individuals with immense political or financial power, who may not meet the traditional definition of “exceptional” when it comes to contributions to science, arts, or business. Melania Trump’s case is one of the most high-profile instances, where critics point out that her credentials as a model and her marriage to Donald Trump might have played a larger role in her visa approval than any extraordinary achievements on her own.

A report by The Washington Post revealed that Melania Trump was granted a green card through the EB-1 program in 2001, years before she became First Lady. The report noted that the visa was typically reserved for those with exceptional abilities or those who had made notable contributions to their field, but questions arose about Melania’s qualifications. Critics argue that her visa application was likely aided by her fame, wealth, and public profile, rather than her own merit or specific professional accomplishments.

The Timing: Immigration Debate Intensifies Amid Cracks in U.S. Visa Policies

Crockett’s comments came at a particularly charged moment in the ongoing national conversation about immigration in the United States. The Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration, particularly its efforts to crack down on undocumented immigrants and its controversial “Muslim ban,” has led to widespread protests and calls for reform.

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. government took steps to heavily scrutinize social media accounts of foreign nationals applying for U.S. visas, raising concerns that these efforts would harm free speech and make it even more difficult for individuals from certain countries to enter the U.S. Earlier this year, the State Department announced that it was relaunching interviews and processing foreign student visas, with applicants now required to submit their social media accounts for vetting. This policy has drawn concern from immigrant rights groups, who fear that it will lead to further discrimination and attacks on marginalized communities.

The leaked EB-1 visa applications of prominent individuals like Melania Trump only add to the growing sense of injustice within the immigration system. Critics argue that the system is rigged in favor of the wealthy and politically connected, giving them access to opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to hardworking immigrants trying to enter the U.S. legally.

Crockett’s Broader Message: The Disconnect Between Immigration Laws and Reality

Crockett’s sharp criticism of Melania Trump is part of her larger push for immigration reform. As an immigrant herself, Crockett has made it clear that she believes in a fair and equitable immigration system—one that doesn’t favor the rich and powerful but instead provides a path to citizenship based on merit and need. Her message resonates deeply with immigrant communities, who often find themselves caught in bureaucratic limbo, facing long wait times, complicated paperwork, and ever-changing regulations.

“What’s troubling to me,” Crockett said, “is that the same system that makes it so hard for so many immigrants to get into this country is the one that allows individuals like Melania Trump to skip the line. It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that this system needs to be fixed.”

Crockett’s call for reform has struck a chord with progressives who have long advocated for more humane immigration policies. It also brings to light the stark contrast between the experiences of wealthy immigrants and those of low-income, undocumented individuals, who often face deportation, detention, and long battles in court.

Her criticism of Melania Trump’s visa is not just about pointing out the hypocrisy of the Trump family, but it’s a broader critique of how the immigration system can be manipulated to benefit those with connections or wealth. In many ways, Crockett’s words reflect a fundamental concern: that the American dream is slipping away from those who need it most.

The Political Implications: The Hypocrisy of Trump’s Immigration Policies

Crockett’s remarks also highlight a glaring inconsistency in the Trump administration’s immigration policies. On one hand, Trump has continually advocated for tighter restrictions on immigration and for a crackdown on illegal immigrants. He has demanded that families be separated at the border, and his administration has relentlessly pushed for policies that target people from certain countries or regions.

On the other hand, members of his own family, including Melania Trump, have benefited from immigration policies that, critics argue, have been manipulated to serve the interests of the elite. This dichotomy—the harsh treatment of immigrants versus the preferential treatment given to wealthy, politically-connected individuals—has led to growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies, especially among immigrant communities.

By questioning Melania Trump’s visa, Crockett is not just calling out the inconsistencies of the system, but she is also holding the Trump family accountable for their role in perpetuating this unfair system.

The Path Forward: A Call for Transparency and Equity

The debate surrounding Melania Trump’s EB-1 visa is part of a larger conversation about the future of immigration in the United States. Crockett’s comments underscore the need for a fair and transparent immigration system that treats all people equally, regardless of their wealth or political connections.

For many, the case of Melania Trump is a symbol of everything that is wrong with the current immigration system: an elitist, exclusionary process that favors the rich and powerful, while leaving the most vulnerable to fend for themselves. Crockett’s critique serves as a reminder that the fight for a just immigration system is far from over, and it is up to lawmakers to continue pushing for reform that puts people, not privilege, first.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the need for immigration reform is urgent, and it will take the voices of leaders like Jasmine Crockett to bring about the change that is necessary for a fairer and more just system.