Prince Harry’s U.S. visa status is under legal and political scrutiny, with the Heritage Foundation pushing for the release of his immigration records. The issue has gained momentum as former U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to take a strict stance on the matter if re-elected.
A lawsuit filed by the Heritage Foundation against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks to determine whether Prince Harry received special immigration privileges. The case is set for a critical hearing on February 5 at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where Judge Carl J. Nichols will decide whether DHS must disclose the details of Harry’s visa application.
Concerns over the Duke of Sussex’s immigration status intensified after he admitted in his memoir Spare and various interviews to using drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and magic mushrooms. U.S. immigration laws require applicants to disclose any history of drug use, and failure to do so could lead to visa revocation or deportation.
DHS has refused to release Harry’s visa records, citing privacy concerns and a lack of evidence of unlawful government action. However, the Heritage Foundation insists that the public has a right to know if the prince was granted special exemptions.
The controversy escalated after Trump, in an interview with The Express, declared, “I will not help Harry. He betrayed Queen Elizabeth, and that is unforgivable. If this matter comes under my authority, he will have to face the consequences himself.” His remarks suggest that if he regains power, he could pressure DHS to review Harry’s visa status.
In the UK, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has also urged Trump to disclose Harry’s visa records. In a video message, she stated, “The American people have the right to know what happened here. Prince Harry is an ordinary citizen who entered the U.S. We need to determine if he violated immigration laws.”
Legal experts warn that if the court rules in favor of the Heritage Foundation and finds discrepancies in Harry’s visa application, he could face deportation. His future in the U.S. remains uncertain, and he may have to relocate to Canada, the UK, or another country if his visa is revoked.
Immigration attorney Naim Sakhia, in an exclusive statement to Jang/Geo News, emphasized that “U.S. immigration laws apply equally to everyone, regardless of their royal status.” He noted that while the February 5 hearing will focus on whether Harry’s records should be made public, it does not rule out consequences if he misrepresented facts in his visa application.
Prince Harry, who is currently involved with the Invictus Games Foundation and serves as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp Inc., could see his career and personal life disrupted if he is forced to leave the U.S. Although Meghan Markle is a U.S. citizen, visa complications could impact their family.
With Trump’s strong stance, Braverman’s calls for transparency, and the ongoing legal battle, Prince Harry may be facing one of the most significant challenges of his post-royal life. The outcome of the February 5 hearing could shape his future in America.
