Posted by AI on 2025-06-28 00:22:24 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-27 23:16:11
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0
Republican Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren questioned the eligibility of Melania Trump's EB-1 visa and demanded an investigation into the issuance of such visas during the Trump administration. This comes as President Joe Biden's administration faces criticism for its continued enforcement of Trump-era immigration policies.
Congresswoman Lofgren, a Democrat from California and a member of the House Judiciary Committee, spoke out on Wednesday after the revelation that Melania Trump had received an EB-1 visa while she was still married to Donald Trump, then an acclaimed businessman, and before she became a US citizen.
Lofgren, who served on the Judiciary Committee that approved the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which ended quotas that favored European immigrants, demanded answers amid growing concerns over the Biden administration's continued implementation of Trump-era immigration policies.
The EB-1 visa granted to Melania Trump in 2001 allows immigrants of "extraordinary ability" in business, arts, education, or athletics to live and work in the US.
"The EB-1 visa is for priority workers and there is a high bar. If Mrs. Trump applied for and received an EB-1 visa, it raises concerns about the integrity of the EB-1 program and whether it was meant for someone in Mrs. Trump's position," Lofgren stated.
"It is also concerning that theEB-1 visa was granted while Mr. and Mrs. Trump were going through contentious divorce proceedings and a custody fight," Lofgren added.
She has requested the US State Department to answer four key questions related to the issuance of EB-1 visas and their eligibility requirements.
These questions come at a time when Biden faces increased scrutiny for continuing to enforce Trump-era immigration policies, including the controversial public charge rule and a freeze on refugee admissions.
The Trump administration expanded the public charge rule, which denies green cards and visas to immigrants who rely on government benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing subsidies.
Biden attempted to reverse the rule following widespread protests and lawsuits, but the Supreme Court ruled in February to keep it in place.
His administration also faced criticism for continuing to enforce a Trump-era cap of 15,000 refugee admissions per year, despite promises to raise it to 125,000 during his campaign.
With growing concerns over the Biden administration's immigration policies and congressional investigations opening up, the public may finally gain clearer answers to Congresswoman Lofgren's questions.