The Unlikely Naturalization of the Knavs Family
A Surprise in New York
On a sunny Thursday, Viktor and Amalija Knavs—who were born in Slovenia and made the U.S. their home—walked into the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building in New York and, under a waving flag, took the oath of citizenship. Their lawyer, Michael Wild Eds, told AFP that the couple’s green‑cards arrived sometime last year, and they had been living here for five years before applying to become citizens.
_Melania Trump, the 48‑year‑old First Lady, was the one who brought the Knavs to the U.S. as a sponsor.
Without her, this naturalization would have been a long, winding road.
The “Chain Migration” Debate
What the President Calls “Unacceptable”
President Donald Trump has repeatedly slammed the family‑reunification policy—sometimes referred to as chain migration—as a drain on jobs and a threat to national security. Under the policy, naturalized citizens can sponsor close relatives for permanent residency, a system the president insists needs a dramatic overhaul.
Trump’s Take:“CHAIN MIGRATION must end now! Some people come in, and they bring their whole family with them, who can be truly evil. NOT ACCEPTABLE!”He is quick to point to incidents like the 2019 New York truck tragedy, attributing it to the loophole.
The Lawyer’s Counter
Wild Eds dismissed the harsh label, calling chain migration a “dirtier” phrase that understates a core principle of U.S. immigration: families can regroup. According to him, it’s no different from any other legal immigration process that keeps the fabric of America vibrant.
A Family Story with a Twist
| Detail | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Viktor | Car salesman in Slovenia, now retired |
| Amalija | Textile factory worker, now retired |
| Age | Both over 70 |
| Status Before | Green‑card holders, likely before 2018 |
| Naturalization | Took place in 2018 after five‑year residency |
| Family Visits | Frequently spends time in the U.S. with daughter and grandson, Barron |
The Legal Intricacies
Closing Thoughts
The Knavs’ naturalization highlights the complicated and often contradictory dance of U.S. immigration laws. Even amid political criticism, a beloved family—connected to a First Lady and not to any infamous scandal—gets to plant roots in American soil. Whether it’s “chain migration” or “family reunification,” the point remains: human ties don’t fit neatly into policy boxes.
