In recent statements regarding Prince Harry’s visa status, former President Donald Trump indicated that he would refrain from pursuing any deportation efforts against the Duke of Sussex. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump remarked that he would “leave” Harry alone, suggesting that the Duke faces enough challenges due to his wife, Meghan Markle, whom Trump described unfavourably as “terrible.”

This decision comes against a backdrop of concerns surrounding Harry’s visa application, with some speculating that he may have misrepresented his past drug use. Under U.S. immigration law, anyone who has lied about drug use on their visa application could face serious penalties, including up to five years in prison, a fine, or deportation. In his 2023 memoir “Spare,” Harry disclosed his past use of substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and magic mushrooms. Had he admitted to this drug use during his visa application process, he would have necessitated a visa waiver, which would have involved a formal interview.

While Trump’s remarks may appear to be a reprieve for Prince Harry, royal analyst Lee Cohen suggested that the former president’s choice to not pursue Harry’s deportation might be a calculated move. Writing for GB News, Cohen noted that Trump has both denied Harry a “crisis to exploit” and prevented the couple from portraying themselves as victims in the public eye, avoiding the reinforcement of their narrative as persecuted figures.

Despite Trump’s non-interventionist stance, legal scrutiny surrounding Harry’s visa application persists. Judge Carl J. Nichols has recently ordered the U.S. government to investigate which records regarding Harry’s visa may be released to the public. This directive follows ongoing efforts from the Washington think-tank, The Heritage Foundation, which has sought to ascertain whether Harry received special treatment in his visa application process. A source close to Trump stated that while he might not pursue deportation, he supports transparency and the possibility of criminal prosecution if evidence suggests that Harry lied on his application.

Moreover, new Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to treat Harry’s case like any other immigration case, stating that justice should be served regardless of one’s status. In light of this, it has been conveyed that Harry should be “very worried indeed,” as the legal situation surrounding his visa remains uncertain. Furthermore, the intricacies of the case are highlighted by unusual judicial processes, including a secret meeting held between Judge Nichols and Department of Homeland Security lawyers, which drew concern regarding the standard procedures of transparency in such legal matters.

As Harry participated in the Invictus Games in Canada, he seemed to reflect on the ongoing tension with Trump, criticising “weak moral character in the world” in a speech. Meanwhile, he received a significant cultural honour when the Tsleil-Waututh Nation conferred upon him the title of “blanketed,” an esteemed recognition bestowed by Canada’s indigenous people. This award was acknowledged as a profoundly moving moment by the couple’s official communications platform.

As developments regarding visa matters and potential legal ramifications for Prince Harry continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve within the broader context of royal public perception and U.S. immigration law.

Source: Noah Wire Services