A US court has ordered the release of redacted versions of Prince Harry's visa records by Tuesday, amid ongoing debate over his immigration status. Judge Carl Nichols ruled that while the documents should be disclosed, Harry's application will remain sealed, citing the public's limited interest in the Duke's immigration records. This decision comes after the Heritage Foundation questioned Harry's eligibility to enter the United States in 2020, following revelations of past drug use included in his memoir, "Spare."
The Heritage Foundation brought forth a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to access Harry's visa documents, alleging that he might have concealed past illegal drug use that could have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa. Previously, the US Department of Homeland Security had refused this request. However, Judge Nichols has now directed the department to release redacted versions of the records, with department lawyers having agreed to this condition since February.
"Specifically, Defendant would propose redacting all information in these items that would reveal information that the Court has determined Defendant can withhold," stated John Bardo, a department lawyer.
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry's immigration status was further fueled when President Donald Trump ruled out deporting him from the US earlier this year. The Heritage Foundation sought a revision of this judgment, questioning the legitimacy of Harry's stay in the country.
"Like any foreign national, the duke has a legitimate privacy interest in his immigration status," said Judge Carl Nichols, defending the decision to keep Harry's application sealed.
Since moving to the United States in 2020 with his wife Meghan Markle, Harry has been residing in Montecito, a luxurious enclave two hours north of Los Angeles. Their $29 million family home features amenities such as a wine cellar, games room, and an expansive outdoor swimming pool. The couple is raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in this celebrity neighborhood, which includes notable figures like Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry.
