Prince Harry’s immigration status in America hangs in the balance as his drug confession controversy escalates. The Duke of Sussex’s candid admissions in his memoir “Spare” are now colliding with strict U.S. immigration policies, raising serious questions about potential special treatment for royalty.
At a glance:
• Prince Harry’s U.S. immigration documents were released but heavily redacted, concealing critical details about his visa application
• The Heritage Foundation filed a FOIA request seeking information on whether Harry received special treatment despite admitting to drug use
• U.S. immigration law typically bars entry to applicants with history of drug abuse or addiction
• Federal officials argued releasing Harry’s detailed records could subject him to “harassment” and “harm”
• If Harry lied on his immigration forms about drug use, he could face deportation according to immigration experts
Royal Privilege or Immigration Justice?
The long-awaited release of Prince Harry’s immigration documents has left more questions than answers about the Duke’s status in America. The files, heavily redacted for privacy concerns, fail to clarify whether Harry received special treatment despite his public admissions of cocaine, marijuana, and magic mushroom use in his tell-all memoir.
The Heritage Foundation spearheaded the investigation through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, questioning whether immigration authorities gave the royal preferential treatment. Ordinary Americans with similar drug histories often face serious immigration consequences, including denial of entry or deportation.
Federal Judge Carl Nichols allowed the partial release while supporting government claims about potential harassment.
“To release his exact status could subject him to reasonably foreseeable harm in the form of harassment as well as unwanted contact by the media and others,” Nichols stated in his ruling.
Drug Confessions and Deportation Risk
The controversy centers on admissions Harry made in his 2023 memoir “Spare,” where he detailed trying cocaine at age 17 and experimenting with other drugs. U.S. immigration law is clear that “applicants who are found to be drug abusers or addicts are inadmissible,” according to the official USCIS manual.
Heritage Foundation attorney Samuel Dewey highlighted the serious stakes involved. “If he lied, that gets you deported,” Dewey explained, adding that “People are routinely deported for lying on immigration forms.”
The conservation legal group argues that transparency about Harry’s application would reveal whether immigration officials properly enforced the law or granted special privileges. The Department of Homeland Security countered by claiming the Prince’s records contained sensitive personal information warranting protection.
American Citizenship Complications
Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to California in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties, establishing a permanent residence in Montecito. The Duke has previously mentioned he has “considered” applying for American citizenship, though he noted it was not currently a priority.
One significant obstacle for any potential citizenship application is the requirement to renounce royal titles. This requirement would place Harry in a difficult position regarding his remaining connections to the British monarchy.
The redacted documents released this week have only intensified scrutiny over Harry’s immigration status. Conservative critics question whether a regular American with similar drug admissions would receive the same privacy protections or favorable treatment.
While it’s theoretically possible for the former British royal to be deported, he may be able to rest easy after President Donald Trump said recently that he wouldn’t authorize his deportation as he has “enough problems” with his wife, Meghan Markle.
Ouch.
