Prince Harry's visa records to be publicized amid drug allegations
What's the story
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is facing scrutiny over his US visa status after a federal court ordered release of his visa application documents. Judge Carl Nichols issued the order on March 15 and asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release redacted copies of such files by March 18. The ruling came on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Heritage Foundation, a US-based conservative think-tank.
Drug allegations
Allegations of deception in visa application
The Heritage Foundation has alleged that Prince Harry may have lied about his history of illegal drug use on his visa application, which could make him ineligible to hold a US visa. The organization cited passages in Harry's memoir, Spare, where he talked about using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. The foundation has now questioned why he was allowed entry into the US in 2020.
Information release
DHS agrees to release redacted immigration forms
After initially denying the FOI request, DHS lawyers later agreed in February to release redacted versions of the immigration forms. "Specifically, defendant would propose redacting all information in these items that would reveal information that the court has determined defendant can withhold," attorney John Bardo said in a court filing. There has been continued scrutiny over Prince Harry's visa status over past drug use, including calls for deportation.
Presidential intervention
Trump's stance on Prince Harry's potential deportation
However, US President Donald Trump had weighed in earlier, saying he wouldn't call for Harry's deportation from the US. "I'll leave him alone," Trump told The New York Post in February, saying Harry "has enough problems with his wife." However, Trump said if he did lie about his drug use on his visa application, action would have to be taken.