Melania Trump’s Legal Entry and Work Status in the USA: A Fact-Check

**Introduction

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The issue of Melania Trump's legal entry and work status in the USA has been a topic of debate and misinformation. This article aims to provide a factual analysis based on available information and sources. We will explore the context of Melania Trump's visa process and the legal status of her work in the United States.

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Background on Melania Trump's Visa Status

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Most reports indicate that Melania Trump initially entered the United States on a tourist visa. This type of visa does not allow individuals to work for monetary gain. After spending about five years in the U.S., she was granted a green card through the EB-1 program, which is typically reserved for individuals with 'extraordinary ability' in the arts, science, business, or education. Her status was officially adjusted to that of a permanent resident.

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Modeling Work and Visiting Visa

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According to multiple sources, Melania Trump participated in approximately ten modeling photo shoots before securing her work visa. During this period, she may have worked without a proper work visa, which would technically be illegal. However, her agent at that time claimed that a photo shoot did not require a temporary work visa. Despite this, no further paperwork was revealed to substantiate her legal presence or the source of her income.

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EB-1 Visa and 'Extraordinary Contribution'

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On 9 October 2001, Melania Knauss received an EB-1 green card from Slovenia, allowing her to transition to permanent residency. The EB-1 program is specifically designed for individuals who have made significant contributions in their field. Trump's ability to secure this visa can be attributed to his influence, which was arguably significant enough to support her case. This raises questions about whether the flexible interpretation of the 'extraordinary ability' criteria played a role in her visa approval.

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Adjustment of Status and Legal Work

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By the time she was awarded the EB-1 visa, Melania Trump was already in the U.S. for five years and had been dating Donald Trump. The process of adjusting her status to a working visa and permanent residency demonstrates that she was allowed to transition to a legal work status. However, the specific timeline and the exact circumstances of her work during the initial five years are still subject to debate. Her past modeling work remains a contentious point, with some questioning whether she worked illegally during this period.

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Press Conferences and Public Statements

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In response to the controversy, Melania Trump promised to hold a press conference to show her documents related to her work and visa status. However, these plans were never realized. This lack of transparency has contributed to the ongoing debate and skepticism regarding her legal entry and work status in the United States.

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**Conclusion}

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In summary, while Melania Trump's legal entry and work status in the United States have been subject to scrutiny, the available information suggests that she underwent a legal process to secure her EB-1 visa and transitioned to legal working status. However, questions remain regarding the exact circumstances of her initial work in the U.S. and the flexibility of the EB-1 program criteria that allowed her to transition so smoothly.

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