Prince Harry’s immigration records are set to be released shortly due to a court ruling by a US District Judge who mandated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to disclose these documents. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, after their prior request for Prince Harry’s immigration history under the Freedom of Information Act was denied.
The Heritage Foundation argues that there is significant public interest in understanding whether Prince Harry was adequately vetted for entry into the United States, particularly in light of his past admissions of recreational drug use, which could potentially affect visa eligibility.
In his memoir, Prince Harry discussed his drug use, which the Heritage Foundation claims raises questions about his immigration status, suggesting he may have entered the country unlawfully without a waiver for his past actions. The think tank’s lawyer, Samuel Dewey, emphasised that Harry has publicly acknowledged his drug use, thereby diminishing his privacy claim on this matter.
The court documents indicate there are limited avenues through which Prince Harry could have lawfully entered the US in March 2020, and they contend his conduct could arguably have violated immigration laws. The lawsuit is also seen in the broader context of looking into other possible instances of DHS non-compliance related to immigration enforcement.
Immigration attorney Charles Kuck expressed his astonishment that a federal court permitted the release of such personal immigration files, arguing it opens the door for individuals to request similar information on others, which he believes could infringe on privacy laws.
Despite the release of these records, Kuck asserted that it is unlikely Prince Harry’s immigration status would change, viewing the legal actions as largely a publicity stunt rather than a legitimate threat to his residency. The documents potentially up for release include his I-485 form, financial information, and details about his marriage to Meghan Markle, who is an American citizen.
The I-485 form specifically queries past violations of controlled substance laws, a contentious subject in immigration cases. Kuck highlighted the ambiguity often surrounding this question, making it complicated for applicants to answer truthfully without risking their immigration status.
Former US President Donald Trump recently commented that he has no intention of deporting Prince Harry, suggesting the matter is more about media focus than legal ramifications. As the release date for the immigration records approaches, scrutiny over Prince Harry’s status and the implications of his disclosures in his memoir continues to generate interest.