US: Melania Trump’s parents become US residents

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

First lady Melania Trump’s parents have become lawful permanent U.S. residents, their lawyer confirmed Wednesday as questions swirled about whether they used a program President Donald Trump is seeking to end.

“I can confirm that Mrs. Trump’s parents are both lawfully admitted to the United States as permanent residents,” New York-based immigration attorney Michael Wildes said. “The family, as they are not part of the administration, has asked that their privacy be respected so I will not comment further on this matter.”

Wildes confirmed the statement to Anadolu Agency during a brief telephone conversation after it was first reported by the Washington Post.

Melania Trump’s parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, “very likely relied” on an immigration process the Trump administration has called “chain migration”, or immigration to the U.S. based on familial relations, according to the newspaper that cited immigration experts.

Trump is seeking an end to “chain migration” under the pretext of national security, along with the nation’s visa lottery system.

Reached for reaction, first lady spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told Anadolu Agency: “I have no comment for you.”