Former US First Lady Melania Trump, whose public appearances are very rare, today congratulated new US citizens and touched on her personal history as a former immigrant during a naturalization ceremony in Washington.

“Be proud of yourselves, stand up for your rights and seize the opportunities that are offered to you,” said the wife of former President Donald Trump, a favorite in the primary election for the nomination of the Republican Party.

The 53-year-old former model, who was born in Slovenia, recounted her personal “journey” as an immigrant, which “opened her eyes to the harsh realities” experienced by people seeking US citizenship.

Melania Trump, who made these statements in the National Archives, described how she felt, when she became a naturalized American in 2006, a “tremendous sense of pride and a sense of belonging.”

This rare public appearance attracted the attention of Americans for several reasons.

First, because it took place at the headquarters of the National Archives in Washington. Donald Trump is accused of not having filed, as required by law, certain classified documents of his presidency with this institution, which is charged with their safekeeping.

Secondly, for the theme of the event itself, which contradicts Donald Trump’s anti-immigration speech.