The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released documents confirming that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, did not receive preferential treatment when applying for his U.S. visa. The disclosures come amid ongoing debates surrounding his immigration status and privacy rights. The Duke has not consented to releasing his records to the Plaintiffs, who have yet to prove sufficient public interest to override his privacy rights concerning any potential Customs and Border Protection (CBP) records about him.
Prince Harry, currently residing in Montecito, California with his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and their two children, has been at the center of media attention since moving to the United States in 2020. The couple relocated after stepping away from their senior roles within Britain's royal family. Recently, Prince Harry disclosed in an interview with Reeve, aired on February 16, 2024, that he has considered the idea of obtaining American citizenship.
The Heritage Foundation has previously raised concerns about Prince Harry's immigration process, citing his admitted past drug use as a potential factor that could have influenced his visa application. U.S. visa applications require applicants to disclose any current and past drug use, which can lead to denial based on various factors. However, DHS documents indicate that Prince Harry's visa application adhered to the regulatory process outlined under the Immigration and Nationality Act and applicable rules.
Prince Harry was granted a 0-1 visa, a category reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities, as per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidelines. The documents released by DHS underscore that the regulatory process involved in reviewing and granting immigration benefits was conducted in compliance with established procedures.
Despite these findings, the Heritage Foundation continues to question Prince Harry's transparency regarding his immigration records. Mike Howell of the Heritage Foundation expressed skepticism, stating "Every partial answer raises three new questions," further fueling public discourse on Prince Harry's immigration status.
In April 2023, Prince Harry named the United States as his official residence in documents filed with Companies House, a government-run registry of companies in the United Kingdom. This move has been interpreted by some as a step towards solidifying his ties with the U.S. However, during his interview with Reeve, Prince Harry remarked on the prospect of American citizenship:
"The American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but certainly is not something that is a high priority for me right now," Prince Harry stated.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump commented on Prince Harry's stay in the United States, affirming that he has no intention to deport him:
"I don't want to do that," President Donald Trump told the New York Post.
The ongoing debate around Prince Harry's immigration status highlights broader issues related to privacy and public interest. While some argue for transparency due to his public profile, others advocate for respecting his privacy rights as an individual.
