Trump lawyer-turned-Hillary backer: Melania had 'green card' from prior marriage

A former immigration attorney for Donald Trump's organization raised new questions about the GOP presidential nominee's wife's immigration status in an interview published by Univision on Friday.

"Ms. Trump received citizenship in 2006 and prior to that she had a green card based on marriage," said Michael Wildes. "Before that, she had a work visa and was in full compliance on her visas and never disrespected any of them. That has been made clear to me."

Melania Trump married the real estate mogul in January 2005, which she has said is her first marriage. She has stated in the past that she obtained the "green card" designating her as a lawful permanent US resident in 2001.

Wildes did not explain the apparent discrepancy, saying in an email that he "didn't hear back" from the Trump Organization when he asked about it.

Wildes, a former federal prosecutor who currently identifies himself as a supporter of Hillary Clinton, said he was authorized by the Trump Organization "to speak on the matters concerning Melania." He said that he obtained visas and "green cards" for participants in the Miss Universe pageant while it was owned by the real estate mogul.

The Hill reported that, according to Wildes, he did not know "how or when" Melania Trump obtained her "green card."

"I told [Univision] it predated my representation and he'd have to get the information elsewhere," Wildes was quoted as saying.