Prince Harry’s visa application documents are set to be made public today following a ruling by Judge Carl Nichols in Washington. This ruling marks a significant moment in a legal battle initiated by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, seeking to scrutinise Harry’s immigration status. The documents could provide crucial insight into whether the Duke of Sussex failed to disclose his past drug use on his U.S. visa application.

The legal proceedings were prompted by discrepancies relating to Harry’s admissions of drug use, discussed in his memoir “Spare” and a Netflix series, where he acknowledged using cannabis, cocaine, and magic mushrooms. Given that U.S. immigration forms require applicants to disclose any history of drug abuse, the Heritage Foundation claims that Harry may have misrepresented his drug use when applying for his visa, which has raised questions about preferential treatment in his immigration status.

Greg Swenson, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, stated that should the documents reveal that Harry lied in his immigration paperwork, he should voluntarily leave the United States to evade potential legal repercussions. Swenson remarked, speaking to MailOnline, “If Harry is here illegally it would be hypocritical for him to get special treatment given the mass deportations occurring now. The smartest thing for Harry would be to leave the US, avoid the proceedings and leave voluntarily.”

The Department of State issued a statement emphasising that visa holders must adhere to all U.S. laws and that their cases are under continuous review, implying that violations could lead to deportation. Judge Nichols has mandated that the documents be released by the end of the day, which will include as much information as possible while protecting Harry’s privacy. The documents, obtained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), are expected to reveal whether Harry answered “no” to a question regarding drug use on his visa application.

In prior hearings, Judge Nichols had displayed a willingness to make as much of the documents public as feasible, while also ensuring Harry’s right to privacy was respected. The case has highlighted ongoing discussions about immigration policies and whether high-profile individuals receive special treatment.

President Donald Trump has addressed the situation, indicating that it may not be a priority for his administration. He suggested that it is unlikely he would intervene in the matter. Last year, he hinted at the possibility of Harry facing consequences if found to have lied on his application. However, more recently, he commented, “I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

The speculation also surrounds the nature of Harry’s visa, with some immigration experts suggesting he may hold an A-1 Head of State visa, which allows certain royal family members to enter the U.S. without the same level of scrutiny regarding past drug use. If this is true, Harry’s visa would remain valid as long as he remains in line for the throne, allowing him a sort of indefinite status in the United States.

The Heritage Foundation’s pursuit of these documents underscores a broader debate regarding immigration enforcement and equal treatment under the law, especially in high-profile cases. As the situation unfolds, Harry’s representatives have refrained from commenting on the case, which continues to capture public interest and scrutiny surrounding the Duke’s residency in the United States.

Source: Noah Wire Services