Immigration professionals have warned that Prince Harry could be barred from the US and has put his visa at risk after confessing about his illegal drug use.
The Duke of Sussex, 38, admitted to doing cocaine, smoking cannabis and taking hallucinogenic mushrooms in his upcoming memoir.
Although I’m not shocked, Harry has been a bit of a lad over the years, not wanting to comply with the norm of the Royal Family and its restrictions, but typical applicants would be refused a visa over their history with illicit substances, however, US authorities note that admission into the country is given on a case by case basis.
It’s unclear if Harry, who moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020, detailed his drug use on his visa application, and immigration professionals have warned that if he lied about his past, the Duke could have his visa withdrawn.
In his new autobiography ‘Spare’, Harry admitted that he first took cocaine on a shooting weekend at the age of 17 years old and that he did a few more lines on other occasions.
The one hard partygoer also admitted to hallucinating during a celebrity-filled event in California and smoking cannabis after his first date with Meghan.
A newspaper outlet reported that most applicants with a history of drug use would be denied American visas, however, immigration decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
US immigration rules state an individual’s present and/or past activities, such as drug or illegal actions, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa.
It’s unclear what kind of US visa Harry has, but analysts suspect he either has a spousal visa, sponsored by his American wife, or an O-1 visa which is given to people with exceptional ability.
If Harry holds an O-1 visa, which is often given to celebrities and athletes, it would have to be renewed after three years.
The Sussexes relocated to California in 2020, meaning his visa could be set to expire this year. His renewal application could be affected by his recently revealed history with drugs.
Immigration experts, however, note Harry should have been refused residency in the US if he failed to divulge his drug use during the application process.
Anyone pursuing a temporary or permanent residency in the US must answer a string of questions about their criminal and drug history when applying, and things appear to be going from bad to worse for Harry. He couldn’t have made a bigger hash of things if he tried, but I do hope that he can remain in the US, as he appears to have made it his home now.
And this drug use problem is only a rule in the US. Harry hasn’t been convicted of drug use, so there’s no reason he can’t remain there. It occurred a long time ago when he was a foolish and impetuous teenager, so why should he be punished for it?
But then again Harry opened his big trap again – he opened his mouth and inserted his foot and it would be extremely amusing if he did get deported. However, he probably won’t get deported. People like him aren’t subject to the same rules and regulations and we should get serious because privilege is real.
Let’s face it, if Ozzy Osbourne can do it, then I’m sure Harry can do it!
They’ll let him stay because it’s one rule for the rich and famous and another rule for us plebs.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 