Prince Harry could be barred from the United States and put a visa “in jeopardy” after admitting his illicit drug use, immigration experts have warned.
The Duke of Sussex38, confessed to using cocaine, smoking cannabis and taking magic mushrooms in his upcoming memoir.
Typical applicants would be denied a visa because of their history with illegal substances, but US authorities note that entry into the country is granted on a case-by-case basis.
It is unclear if Harry, who moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020, detailed his drug use on his visa application. Immigration experts warn that if he lies about his past, the Duke could have his visa revoked.
Prince Harry could be barred from the United States and put a visa “in jeopardy” after admitting his illicit drug use, immigration experts have warned. The Duke of Sussex is pictured drinking in Belize in March 2012
Harry (pictured with his wife) moved to California with Meghan Markle in 2020. Most applicants with a history of drug use would be denied US visas, but immigration decisions are made on a case-by-case basis
In his new autobiography ‘Spare’, Harry revealed he first took cocaine during a shooting weekend at the age of 17. He did “a few more lines” on other occasions.
The lone partygoer also admitted to hallucinating at a celebrity-filled event in California and smoking cannabis after his first date with Meghan.
Most applicants with a history of drug use would be denied US visas, but immigration decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, The Sunday Times reported.
US immigration rules indicate an individual’s current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activity. . . may render the applicant ineligible to obtain a visa”.
It’s unclear what type of US visa Harry holds, but analysts believe he either holds a spouse visa – sponsored by his US wife – or an O-1 visa which is granted to people with ‘extraordinary ability’.
If Harry holds an O-1 visa, which is often granted to celebrities and athletes, it will need to be renewed after three years.
The Sussexes moved to California in 2020, meaning her visa could expire this year. His renewal application could be affected by his newly admitted drug history.
It’s unclear what type of US visa Harry holds, but analysts believe he either holds a spouse visa – sponsored by his US wife – or an O-1 visa which is granted to people with ‘extraordinary ability’
US State Department officials declined to answer questions about Harry’s immigration status
However, immigration experts note that Harry should have been denied US residency had he not disclosed his drug use during the application process.
Anyone seeking temporary or permanent residency in the United States must answer a series of questions about their criminal and drug history at the time they apply.
would have been asked [about drug use]. If he was honest in his answers, he should have been denied,” said Professor Alberto Benítez, director of the George Washington University Immigration Clinic. The telegraph.
The professor argued that if Harry hadn’t detailed his drug use, he would have “perjured himself on an official US government document”.
He claimed honesty would have been in the Duke’s ‘best interest’ and noted he may have been given discretion by immigration officials due to his royal status.
“If he wasn’t Prince Harry, if he was ‘Fred Jones’ and he had that kind of experience, he would get a lot more scrutiny and I could definitely see the green card denied,” he said. added Professor Benitez.
Immigration experts say Harry may have had discretion during his visa application process due to his royal status. He is pictured leaving Public Nightclub in London in December 2010 after partying with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.
US State Department officials declined to answer the newspaper’s question about whether his admission of drug use would “cause difficulties” with his immigration status.
“Visa records are confidential under US law; Therefore, we cannot discuss the details of individual visa cases. We cannot speculate whether or not a person may be eligible for a visa,” a spokesperson told The Times.
“Each time an individual applies for a U.S. visa, a consular officer reviews the facts of the case and determines whether the applicant is eligible for that visa based on U.S. law.”
The spokesperson added: “All visa applications are handled on a case-by-case basis.”
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Harry and the US State Department for comment.
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