- Prince Harry’s immigration records face public release
- As Trump returns to power in the United States
- Harry loses Biden administration protection
The recent political shift in the United States, marked by Donald Trump's return to the presidency, could have significant implications for Prince Harry. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has been engaged in a prolonged legal battle to access the Duke of Sussex's immigration records. These documents, until now, have been shielded by the Biden administration. However, with Trump's administration in place, the likelihood of these records being made public has increased dramatically.
Nile Gardiner, Director of The Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, expressed optimism about the potential disclosure of Prince Harry's visa records. Speaking to 'Daily Mail', Gardiner emphasized, "I do think there's a strong possibility that this could happen. It's the president's prerogative." He further suggested that the new Homeland Security Secretary might initiate a review of Harry's immigration application, highlighting the public interest in transparency.
The controversy surrounding Harry's visa application
The scrutiny of Prince Harry's immigration status stems from his own admissions in his 2023 memoir, 'Spare,' where he candidly discussed his recreational use of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, and magic mushrooms. Such disclosures could have made him ineligible for entry into the United States, raising questions about the accuracy of his immigration paperwork.
The Heritage Foundation's legal battle began when they sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the agency refused to release Harry's immigration records under a Freedom of Information request. In September, a judge ruled to keep these files private, a decision now under appeal by the think tank.
Gardiner stated, "Releasing Harry's immigration records would send a very strong message about applying the rule of law equally to everyone." The think tank argues that if Prince Harry has nothing to hide, he should support the release of his records for public scrutiny.
The Trump-Harry feud: A complicated history
The relationship between Donald Trump and Prince Harry has been contentious. The feud dates back to the 2016 U.S. presidential election when Trump called Meghan Markle "nasty" after she criticized him as "divisive" and "misogynistic." In February, Trump made it clear that he would not protect Prince Harry if he returned to power, stating, "That's unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me."
Trump's son, Eric, has also made his stance clear, suggesting that his father would "happily" deport the Duke. This sentiment is echoed by Chris Edelson, a professor of government at American University, who noted that Trump could indeed remove Harry, stating, "The President can do whatever they want as long as people go along with it."
Legal perspectives on Prince Harry's immigration status
Michael Wildes, a New York-based immigration lawyer, highlighted the complexities of the situation. He suggested that Trump's approach to immigration is more nuanced than commonly perceived, especially when dealing with high-profile figures like Prince Harry. Wildes speculated that Trump might allow Harry to stay in the U.S. as a favor to King Charles or even pardon him for any domestic offenses.
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However, Wildes also pointed out the potential consequences if Harry's visa were revoked. If Harry holds a green card, he could face a special immigration trial with a robust defense opportunity. Conversely, if he is on an A-1 visa, typically reserved for heads of state, Trump could easily declare him persona non grata, making his removal from the country swift and irreversible.
Melissa Chavin, a UK-based U.S. immigration lawyer, echoed these concerns, noting that Trump's administration could challenge the British government's stance on Harry's status, potentially leading to his expulsion.
