Pressure mounts on the US government as campaigners seek transparency regarding Prince Harry’s visa records, with the American ambassador to London affirming that the Duke of Sussex will not be deported while Joe Biden is president.
The conservative Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington DC, spearheading efforts to unveil Prince Harry’s visa records under America’s Freedom of Information laws, has highlighted comments made by Ambassador Jane Hartley in support of their case.
Ambassador Hartley’s remarks came in response to questions about the possibility of Prince Harry facing deportation during an interview on Sky News on March 25. She unequivocally stated, “Well, it’s not going to happen in the Biden administration,” a statement described as “extraordinary” by the Heritage Foundation.
In their court filing, the foundation emphasized that Ambassador Hartley’s public statement contradicts the Department of Homeland Security’s stance on withholding Prince Harry’s immigration status. They argued that her remarks significantly amplify the public interest in disclosing the information sought.
The Duke of Sussex’s residency in the US came under scrutiny after revelations in his memoir, “Spare,” where he admitted to past drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and psychedelic mushrooms. Such admissions can affect visa applications, potentially leading to deportation under US law.
While the Biden administration has refused to make Prince Harry’s application public, citing privacy concerns, the Heritage Foundation contends that Ambassador Hartley’s comments indicate a lack of justification for withholding the information.
Judge Carl Nichols, overseeing the case in Washington DC, is yet to deliver a ruling on the matter.
Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Centre for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation, expressed concern over the Biden administration’s reluctance to release the records, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
