Salma Hayek: Illegal Immigrant? “Yup, I Did It,” She Says—And Now She’s a U.S. Citizen

Salma Hayek, the dazzling actress known for her iconic roles and trailblazing career, once dropped a surprising revelation: she was, for a brief period, an undocumented immigrant in the United States. “Yup, I did it,” she admitted in a candid interview, referencing a time when visa complications left her without legal status during her early days in Hollywood.

Salma Hayek's journey to becoming a U.S. citizen explained.

Her publicist later clarified the situation, explaining that Hayek’s visa status “was cleaned up immediately as Salma went to Mexico and renewed” her visa after it expired shortly following her move to Los Angeles in 1991.

But Hayek’s story didn’t end there. Instead, she embarked on a legal path that eventually led to her becoming a U.S. citizen. Her journey likely began with an O-1 visa—a specialized option for individuals with extraordinary abilities—highlighting an immigration pathway designed for talented professionals seeking to work in the United States.

What Is an O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa is a powerful tool for individuals who excel in their fields, from the arts to business to athletics. In Hayek’s case, her established success in Mexico as a celebrated actress likely qualified her for this visa. To obtain an O-1, applicants must demonstrate national or international recognition, backed by achievements such as major awards, critical acclaim, or contributions to their industry.

Unlike standard work visas, the O-1 visa acknowledges extraordinary ability and allows recipients to work in the U.S. temporarily, often linked to specific projects or employers. While the visa itself is non-immigrant, meaning it doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency, it can be an important stepping stone.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency

For many O-1 visa holders, the next logical step is to obtain a green card. This is often pursued through the EB-1 immigrant visa category, designed for individuals with extraordinary ability. The EB-1 shares many criteria with the O-1 but provides the added benefit of permanent residency. Applicants must prove sustained acclaim in their field, typically building on the evidence submitted for the O-1.

Once a green card is secured, the journey to U.S. citizenship begins. A permanent resident must live in the U.S. for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), maintain continuous residence, and pass a civics and English test before taking the Oath of Allegiance.

From securing an initial visa to transitioning to permanent residency and ultimately applying for naturalization, every step requires careful preparation and compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Consulting an experienced immigration attorney is crucial. Immigration attorneys help applicants understand their eligibility, prepare necessary documentation, and avoid common mistakes that can delay or jeopardize their case.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone: 305-371-8846. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.