Amalija Knavs, the mother of former first lady Melania Trump, was a remarkable woman who lived a life of grace, warmth, and dignity. Her journey is a testament to strength, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Amalija Knavs was born on July 9, 1945, in Judendorf-Strassengel, Austria. She grew up in Slovenia, then a republic in Yugoslavia, where her father, Anton Ulcnik, worked as a cobbler and later became a red-onion farmer. Her mother, Amalija (Gliha) Ulcnik, was a dedicated homemaker and seamstress. From an early age, Amalija Knavs learned the value of hard work and perseverance.
After completing her education, Amalija Knavs embarked on a career in the textile industry. For over three decades, she worked as a patternmaker in a state-owned children’s clothing factory. Her role involved creating patterns for mass production and ensuring the final products met the highest standards. Amalija’s dedication and attention to detail were evident in her work, reflecting her commitment to excellence.
Amalija Knavs was a loving and devoted mother to her two daughters, Ines and Melania. She instilled in them the values of integrity, compassion, and intelligence, which would shape their lives and influence their future endeavors. Melania, in particular, has always expressed deep gratitude for the love and support she received from her mother.
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“My elegant and hardworking mother, Amalia, introduced me to fashion and beauty,” Melania said in her speech at the Republican National Convention in 2016. “Her influence, along with my father Viktor’s passion for business and travel, has shaped who I am today.”
In search of new opportunities and a better life, Amalija Knavs and her husband, Viktor Knavs, decided to immigrate to the United States. They arrived in the country and settled down, eventually becoming residents of New York City. The Knavs family’s journey to citizenship would later become a topic of public discussion and controversy.
Melania Trump, their daughter, played a pivotal role in helping her parents navigate the complex immigration process. In August 2018, after meeting the necessary requirements, Amalija and Viktor Knavs became naturalized U.S. citizens. This achievement was made possible through the sponsorship program, which allows adult citizens to assist their relatives in obtaining green cards and permanent resident status.
The Knavs’ path to citizenship through family-based migration, often referred to as “chain migration,” drew attention and criticism from various quarters. The Trump administration, led by Melania’s husband, former President Donald Trump, had been vocal in its opposition to this form of immigration.
However, it is important to note that the Knavs family had already met the five-year requirement for green card holders before seeking citizenship. This detail, often overlooked in the discourse surrounding their case, reflects the commitment and adherence to legal immigration processes.
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Amalija Knavs and her husband, Viktor, maintained a close relationship with their daughter Melania and their grandson, Barron Trump. The retired couple frequently accompanied the first family on trips to Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster, New Jersey, as they continued to support and cherish their family bond.
Amalija Knavs’s unselfishness and love for her family were evident in her interactions with Melania and Barron. There were times when Barron spent more time with his grandparents than with his parents, highlighting the special connection they shared. Melania, too, had always been exceptionally close to her mother, displaying a deep appreciation for her unwavering support and guidance.
Amalija Knavs led a life of service and dedication to her loved ones. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream. She embodied the values that Melania would later champion during her tenure as first lady, including promoting education, supporting children’s well-being, and advocating for the success of women.
Amalija Knavs’s passing leaves a void in the Trump family, but her impact and memory will continue to inspire. Melania Trump, in her statement announcing her mother’s passing, expressed the profound loss felt by the entire family and the commitment to honor and cherish Amalia’s legacy.
Amalija Knavs, the beloved mother of former first lady Melania Trump, leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and dedication. Her journey from a small town in Slovenia to the halls of the White House is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Amalija Knavs’s unwavering support and guidance shaped Melania’s life and values, instilling in her a passion for fashion, beauty, and family. The Knavs family’s immigration journey, although controversial at times, reflects the complexities of the American immigration system and the desire for a better future.
As we remember Amalija Knavs, let us celebrate her life and the impact she had on her family and the world around her. Her story serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.