In a surprising interview with Nigel Farage on GB News, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Prince Harry could face deportation if he (Trump) were to return to office. This speculation stems from potential inconsistencies in Harry’s visa application.
“Appropriate action will be taken if he lied,” Trump cautioned, referring indirectly to the visa application submitted by Prince Harry. This has sparked renewed curiosity about the prince’s immigration status, especially in light of his candid talk about past drug use in his book “Spare.”
Trump, known for his criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to resign from royal duties and relocate to the U.S., often highlights what he perceives as their disregard for Queen Elizabeth II. He has publicly implied that inconsistencies in Prince Harry’s visa application, particularly his history of drug use, could jeopardize his immigration status.
The Heritage Foundation, a right-leaning think tank, has played a major role in fueling this debate by questioning the transparency of Harry’s immigration process. They filed a Freedom of Information Act request last year and sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to access Prince Harry’s immigration records, using his confessed drug use as a potential threat to his immigration status. However, the Biden administration chose to withhold these documents, prioritizing privacy over public disclosure.
Legal professionals and immigration experts have suggested that Trump’s remarks may be more politically motivated than legally grounded. They point out that prior drug use does not automatically disqualify a person from receiving a U.S. visa. Instead, each application is considered on its own merits, with honesty and context playing a crucial role.
Understanding the legal framework is essential in response to Trump’s deportation implications. U.S. visa applications include questions about illegal drug use, and dishonesty can lead to severe penalties. However, the U.S. immigration system does allow for certain waivers and considerations, particularly if the applicant can show rehabilitation or if the drug use was minimal.
Prince Harry has not shown any interest in becoming a U.S. citizen. His legal counsel argues that the disclosures in his book do not constitute formal admissions of drug use in a legal sense, thereby mitigating their impact on his visa status.
A federal judge ruled that the Department of Homeland Security must present Harry’s visa documentation for judicial review. The objective was to determine if the documents should be made public. The department’s attorneys asked for additional time to locate the documents on Sunday, March 17.
A federal judge is currently evaluating Prince Harry’s visa application following concerns over whether the prince received preferential treatment in being allowed to reside in the United States, despite his past drug use admissions.
Legal documents reviewed by Newsweek in April indicated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) complied with the mandate by delivering sworn statements and supporting documents for one-sided examination via a secure, encrypted connection.
