(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Salma Hayek has admitted she was an illegal immigrant for a small period of time.

The 44-year-old beauty was born and raised in Mexico, although she went on to become one of the most successful Latina actresses in Hollywood.

Salma has not previously discussed her former immigrant status, but in a revealing interview with Spains V Magazine, she has described how she once spent time in the US as an unlawful immigrant. The talented actress was quick to point out she wasnt in the country for very long though.

I was an illegal immigrant in the United States, she confessed to the magazine.

It was for a small period of time, but I still did it.

Salma also opened up about how tough she found it when she first began her Hollywood career in the early 90s. The actress struggled to land lead roles in movies, which she feels was a result of her heritage.

I had to endure the worst time of all in terms of racial discrimination in Hollywood when I first started out, she recalled.

It was inconceivable to American directors and producers that a Mexican woman could have a lead role.

Salma went on to enjoy a hugely successful career despite these obstacles, and was the first Mexican national to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the 2002 movie Frida. (C) Cover Media