A US court has ruled that the immigration records of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, must be made available to the public by Tuesday, following a freedom of information request initiated by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, DC. The court's ruling, delivered by District Judge Carl Nichols, stems from allegations that Prince Harry may have concealed his previous drug use, which could potentially affect his eligibility for a US visa.
Prince Harry's Visa History Ordered for Release by US Court
Prince Harry's Visa History Ordered for Release by US Court
A judge mandates public disclosure of Prince Harry's immigration records following a FOI request related to drug use allegations.
The controversy revolves around claims made in Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," published in January 2023, in which he candidly discusses his experiences with substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. He recounts first trying cocaine at the age of 17 and describes the experience as underwhelming, stating that it “didn't make me particularly happy.” However, he expressed a different sentiment towards marijuana, asserting that it had a positive impact on him.
US visa application forms are explicit in their inquiry regarding previous or current drug usage; such admissions can lead to the rejection of visa applications. The Heritage Foundation contends that if Prince Harry misrepresented his drug use to immigration officials, it could result in severe consequences, including a lifetime ban from entering the United States.
This latest ruling follows a previous decision by the same judge in 2024, which found insufficient public interest to warrant the release of Prince Harry's immigration records. The Heritage Foundation contested that decision, arguing for re-evaluation in light of new findings. Although Prince Harry relocated to the United States with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020, the specifics of his visa status remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Meghan, being a U.S. citizen, does not face similar visa scrutiny.
In an ironic twist, former President Donald Trump previously remarked on the matter, ruling out plans to deport Prince Harry, humorously commenting on his challenges with Meghan, whom he has criticized in the past.
The court's decision has garnered attention and prompts questions regarding the transparency of high-profile individuals in matters of immigration. The race for public opinion and scrutiny surrounding Prince Harry's visa application will continue to unfold as the timeline for the release approaches.
US visa application forms are explicit in their inquiry regarding previous or current drug usage; such admissions can lead to the rejection of visa applications. The Heritage Foundation contends that if Prince Harry misrepresented his drug use to immigration officials, it could result in severe consequences, including a lifetime ban from entering the United States.
This latest ruling follows a previous decision by the same judge in 2024, which found insufficient public interest to warrant the release of Prince Harry's immigration records. The Heritage Foundation contested that decision, arguing for re-evaluation in light of new findings. Although Prince Harry relocated to the United States with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020, the specifics of his visa status remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Meghan, being a U.S. citizen, does not face similar visa scrutiny.
In an ironic twist, former President Donald Trump previously remarked on the matter, ruling out plans to deport Prince Harry, humorously commenting on his challenges with Meghan, whom he has criticized in the past.
The court's decision has garnered attention and prompts questions regarding the transparency of high-profile individuals in matters of immigration. The race for public opinion and scrutiny surrounding Prince Harry's visa application will continue to unfold as the timeline for the release approaches.
