Prince Harry's visa crisis: Drug admission sparks controversy
Prince Harry admitted some time ago to using drugs. According to the law, such an admission could block his chances of staying in the USA. As media report, one organization is demanding to know what information Meghan Markle's husband provided in his visa application.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the British royal family a few years ago. The couple then moved to California. Recently, foreign media have been abuzz about the emigration of King Charles's son to the USA because, in the book "Spare," he admitted to using drugs in the past. According to the law, this could have significant implications for his immigration status in the USA because those applying for temporary or permanent residence in the country must disclose their drug use history during the visa or residency application process.
Individuals identified as "drug abusers" are considered "inadmissible" for entry, but immigration authorities retain the discretion to make a final determination after evaluating various factors, according to the BBC portal.
A conservative think tank is fighting in court to disclose Prince Harry's visa documents to determine whether he admitted to drug use during his visa application. There are also claims that he may have lied during his emigration to the USA. Foreign media remind that some time ago, Donald Trump suggested that when he takes office, Prince Harry could be deported from the USA if he indeed provided false information on his visa form.
Did Prince Harry lie on his US visa application?
The Heritage Foundation has requested information on this matter, but it was previously denied under the Freedom of Information Act. Now, with the prince no longer having support from the Biden administration, lawyers and members of the mentioned foundation hope the new president will overturn the court's decision to keep the records confidential.
According to the Daily Mail, the foundation's lawyer believes publishing Harry's immigration records will help the public better understand how the Department conducts itself and how its officials exercise discretion, Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at Heritage, commented.
I’ll be urging the president to release Prince Harry’s immigration records and the president does have that legal authority to do that. It’s important because this is an issue of the rule of law, transparency and accountability. No one should be above the law. Donald Trump is ushering in a new era of strict border control enforcement, and you know, Prince Harry should be held fully to account as he has admitted to extensive illegal drug use," he added. "My firm expectation is that action will be taken - he said in an interview with the "New York Post".
