In a surprising twist in the ongoing saga of Prince Harry’s immigration status, the Heritage Foundation, a well-known conservative think tank, has decided to take legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Their aim?
To unearth the facts surrounding the Duke of Sussex’s U.S. visa application, which has raised eyebrows and sparked a heated discussion about the integrity of the immigration system.
The foundation’s attorney, Samuel Dewey, has made some bold claims, suggesting that Prince Harry’s case may not be as straightforward as it seems.
He points to the royal’s own admissions of past drug use—details that he openly shared in his memoir, “Spare.”
Dewey argues that these candid revelations, which include his experiences with cocaine, cannabis, and psychedelic mushrooms, should have made Prince Harry ineligible for entry into the United States, unless he had secured a special waiver.
This process is known for being lengthy and complicated.
According to Dewey, if Prince Harry had accurately disclosed his drug history as described in his book, he would likely not have been allowed entry into the U.S. without a specific type of visa that doesn’t permit permanent residency.
His op-ed in the Daily Mail emphasized this point, highlighting the supposed inconsistencies in how the royal was treated compared to ordinary applicants.
In their pursuit of transparency, the Heritage Foundation has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to access Prince Harry’s visa application records.
However, the DHS has consistently denied these requests, invoking the prince’s right to privacy.
This refusal to disclose information has only intensified suspicions within the Foundation, prompting them to escalate their efforts with a lawsuit against the agency.
Dewey expressed disbelief over the government’s resistance to releasing Harry’s immigration documents.
He stated, “It is astonishing that U.S. officials are fighting to prevent the release of Harry’s immigration records.” He believes that the public deserves to see the details surrounding the prince’s visa status, arguing that this would be the most equitable resolution to the matter.
The case has captured significant media attention, with many people questioning whether the DHS has shown favoritism toward the royal family.
Critics argue that the Heritage Foundation’s actions may be politically motivated, but Dewey insists that this issue transcends any individual.
“This case is bigger than one person,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for the U.S. government to adhere to its own laws and regulations.
Public sentiment appears to lean against the notion of celebrities receiving special treatment, especially in matters as serious as immigration.
With Prince Harry’s high profile, this case could serve as a critical lens through which to examine the practices of the DHS.
Adding to the drama, Florida Representative Greg Stuber has announced his intention to introduce the Substance and Possession Abuse Restrictions for Entrants (SPARE) Act.
This proposed legislation would impose a permanent ban on foreign nationals who provide false or misleading information regarding substance abuse on their visa applications.
Although this bill is not directly related to the federal lawsuit, its timing is notable.