Meet the newest U.S. citizens: Melania Trump’s parents

NEW YORK — First lady Melania Trump’s parents were sworn in as U.S. citizens Thursday. Viktor and Amalija Knavs, both in their 70s, took the citizenship oath at a special, private ceremony in New York City. The Slovenian immigrants, a former car dealer and textile factory worker, had been living in the U.S. as permanent residents.

The Knavses slipped in and out of a side entrance at a Manhattan federal building flanked by Department of Homeland Security police. They said little other than Viktor telling a reporter “thank you” when she asked how they felt about becoming Americans.

The couple’s lawyer said they had “travailed a wonderful journey.”

Lawyer Michael Wildes said the Knavses applied for citizenship on their own and didn’t get any special treatment. He wouldn’t say who sponsored their green cards.

“This golden experiment, these doors that are in America, remain hinged open to beautiful people as they have today,” Wildes said.