Documents related to the Duke of Sussex's US visa application have been released in court. However, these documents were heavily redacted, failing to disclose what Prince Harry specifically filled out on his immigration forms. The redactions leave many questions unanswered, fueling further speculation.
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03-20, 2025Previously, a US court ordered the release of these documents in response to a Freedom of Information request filed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. The foundation alleges that Prince Harry concealed his past drug use, which should have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa. The case has drawn significant public attention due to its implications for immigration law and royal affairs.
These allegations primarily revolve around Prince Harry's admissions in his memoir, "Spare," where he mentioned using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. US visa application forms explicitly ask applicants about their current and past drug use. Admitting to drug use can lead to the denial of non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications, but immigration officials have the discretion to make the final decision based on various factors. The nuanced nature of these decisions adds complexity to the case.
Ultimately, the information disclosed in the documents released on Tuesday was very limited. Prince Harry's visa application form was not made public. Instead, the released documents were supporting declarations and court records created by the Heritage Foundation during the case proceedings. These documents reveal that the US government had previously told the court that Prince Harry could be subjected to harassment if his visa records were released. The government's concern for his safety was a key factor in the redactions.
A chief Freedom of Information officer at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that releasing these materials "could subject him to harm from members of the public." Jarod Pante wrote in a declaration submitted to the court last April: "USCIS generally protects from disclosure nonimmigrant/immigrant status information sought by a third party without the beneficiary’s permission. Disclosure of such information could subject him to harm from members of the public, who could seek to manipulate or harm him depending on their reasons for inquiring about his status in the United States." The statement added: "Disclosing his precise status could subject him to reasonably foreseeable harm, including harassment and unwanted attention from the media and others." The potential risks to his safety and privacy were deemed significant.
Sam Dewey of the Heritage Foundation told the BBC that he believes the Department of Homeland Security did not provide all the documents. He expressed his "frustration" and stated that this is "not the end of the road." Dewey anticipates that the next step will be "some form of filing" that will likely outline subsequent steps, adding, "We will likely file another lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security." He accused Prince Harry of enjoying privilege, claiming that he benefited from "wealth and status" to be allowed to reside in the United States. Dewey's remarks highlight the ongoing legal battle and the Heritage Foundation's determination to pursue the case further.
In his controversial memoir, Prince Harry wrote that he first tried cocaine at the age of 17. "It wasn't much fun, and it didn't make me particularly happy, though it seemed to make everyone around me happy, but it did make me feel different, and that was the main objective," he added. He also wrote about using marijuana, saying that "cocaine did nothing for me" but "marijuana was different, it did actually help me." These admissions form the basis of the Heritage Foundation's argument.
The court's decision to release the documents followed a 2024 ruling that found there was not enough public interest in releasing Prince Harry's immigration records. The Heritage Foundation disputed that ruling and pushed for a change in judgment. Prince Harry moved to the United States with his wife, Meghan, after stepping down from royal duties in 2020. It remains unclear under what type of visa he entered the US, while Meghan is an American citizen. President Donald Trump previously ruled out deporting Prince Harry in February, telling the New York Post: "I would leave him alone... he's got enough problems. I think he's got enough problems. She's been very nasty." Meghan has publicly criticized Trump on numerous occasions in the past, calling him a "misogynist." The BBC has contacted Prince Harry's office for comment. The ongoing scrutiny reflects the intersection of royal life, immigration law, and political commentary.
