Prince Harry, who has been residing in the US with his wife Meghan Markle, is now facing potential consequences following revelations made in his upcoming book.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, he could be barred from the US due to his admission of drug use.
The Duke of Sussex, who is set to release his autobiography soon, has put his visa status at risk by confessing to using cocaine, smoking cannabis, and consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Under US visa law, individuals can be denied a visa if they have a history of illegal substance consumption.
In his memoir, Harry discusses his cocaine usage during a shooting weekend at the age of 17, as well as admitting to using drugs on other occasions.
The Sunday Times claims that while typical applicants with a history of illegal substance use would be denied a visa, entry is granted on a case-by-case basis.
US immigration rules state that an individual’s current and past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, may render them ineligible for a visa.
Daily Mail suggests that Harry may currently hold a spousal visa sponsored by his American wife, or an O-1 visa, which is granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities.
Typically, such visas are up for renewal every three years, and as Harry relocated to California in 2020, his visa is due for renewal later this year.
If Harry had disclosed his drug usage earlier, he would have likely been denied residency.
As part of the residency application process, individuals are asked a series of questions regarding their criminal and drug history.
If Harry had been truthful in his answers, he should have been denied residency.
Professor Alberto Benitez, Director of Washington University’s Immigration Clinic, highlighted this in an interview with the Telegraph.
According to a report from The Times, visa records are confidential under US law, preventing discussion of specific visa cases.
Therefore, it is impossible to speculate on someone’s eligibility for a visa.
When an individual applies for a US visa, a consular officer reviews the case’s facts and determines the applicant’s eligibility based on US law.
Now, let’s turn to you, our readers.
What are your thoughts on this news?
Do you believe that Prince Harry should face consequences for his actions?
Is it time for him and Meghan to put an end to their rebellion against the royal family?
Share your opinions in the comment section below and let us know what you think.
As we await further developments, we’ll see if any significant changes arise.
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