Prince Harry's U.S. residency could be in jeopardy as the lawsuit surrounding his visa continues. If the lawsuit demanding the public release of his U.S. visa is granted, the Duke of Sussex could face serious consequences, including deportation, which would force him to leave the United States and the £12 million mansion in Montecito he shares with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children.
The Heritage Foundation has taken legal action against the Department of Homeland Security to access Harry's visa records. In his 2023 autobiography "Spare," Harry admitted to taking drugs in his younger years, prompting calls for his visa application to be released so American taxpayers can understand whether he declared his illegal substance use. This has raised further questions about why he has been allowed to reside in the States, given that drug use is prohibited.
American government lawyers are fighting to keep Prince Harry's visa application documents secret, claiming that publicizing them would attach a stigma. In court, Department of Homeland Security lawyer John Bardo argued that Harry has a right to privacy and that his visa documents should remain sealed, noting that the records contain confidential law enforcement tools and techniques. This is the first time law enforcement records have been mentioned in connection with Harry's visa case.
A Los Angeles-based immigration lawyer commented that law enforcement records could involve various agencies, including the police, FBI, airport police, Secret Service, military police, or highway patrol. The use of the word "stigma" in relation to a routine visa application is highly unusual, raising questions about what might be in Harry's records that could attach such a stigma. There is speculation that Harry might have a police record or some form of immunity, but it's unclear until the records are made public.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security lawyer may have breached data protection laws by indicating that Harry has a police record. There is speculation on social media about whether Harry entered the U.S. on a diplomatic visa waiver or lied on his application. If he used a diplomatic visa, he is not allowed to make money, and a judge pointed out that he is obviously not a diplomat.
There are also references to Harry's book "Spare" suggesting he might have left the UK suddenly or lied on his visa form, potentially receiving preferential treatment. It is ironic that Harry, who tried to expose others with his book, might end up exposing himself. He may have initially been admitted under a diplomatic visa because he hadn't fully stepped down as a working royal, and his visa status should have changed when his royal status changed in February 2021.
