Melania parents become US citizens using 'chain migration' Trump denounces
Melania parents become US citizens using 'chain migration' Trump denounces President Donald Trump’s Slovenian in-laws became US citizens through "chain migration,” a process in which adult American citizens can obtain citizenship for their relatives on Thursday. First Lady Melania Trump's parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, became US citizens at a private ceremony here. She had sponsored her parents for a green card. Their lawyer Michael Wildes said, "Once they had the green card, they then applied for citizenship when they were eligible.” When asked if the Knavses had obtained citizenship through "chain migration", Wildes, said, "I suppose." "It's a dirty — a dirtier word," he said, but added that "it stands for a bedrock of our immigration process when it comes to family reunification." Donald Trump has always criticized the "chain migration" system. In November, he had tweeted, "CHAIN MIGRATION must end now! Some people come in, and they bring their whole family with them, who can be truly evil. NOT ACCEPTABLE!” Standing alongside the Knavses, their lawyer said the couple has "travailed a wonderful journey, like most have, millions have in getting citizenship and waiting the requisite period of time." He said their application, the process, the interview was no different than anybody's else's. "…These doors that are in America remain hinged open to beautiful people as they have today. They would appreciate their privacy and we just thank everybody for their attention to this very important dialogue that we are having on immigration. This is an example of it going right," he said. Viktor, 74, is two years older than President Trump. Amalija is 73. The first lady, born Melanija, changed her name to Melania Knauss when she started modelling. -PTC NEWS
