With Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, Prince Harry’s visa status may face new scrutiny. Trump’s past remarks about the Duke of Sussex, coupled with Harry’s public admission of past drug use, have stoked concerns over whether the former president could follow through on previous threats to “take action” against Harry.
Trump’s Campaign Threats Resurface
Donald Trump’s statements during his campaign trail about possibly deporting Prince Harry have raised questions about the royal’s future in the U.S. In an interview, Trump emphasized that Harry had “betrayed” Queen Elizabeth, calling his alleged disloyalty “unforgivable” and suggested the prince should be on his own regarding any visa complications.
“I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That’s unforgivable,” Trump remarked, hinting that Harry’s immigration status might not be secure under his administration.
Trump’s remarks followed Prince Harry’s admission in his memoir, Spare, about using illegal substances. While Harry’s candidness won him praise for openness, Trump’s campaign referenced it as a possible reason to question Harry’s visa eligibility.
Visa Concerns for Prince Harry
Immigration experts are split on whether Trump could truly deport Harry based on his past drug use. According to Christi Jackson, Head of U.S. Immigration, past admissions of drug use alone do not automatically render someone ineligible for a visa unless they were adults at the time and gave valid admission directly to immigration authorities. Jackson clarified:
“Admissions in a public forum, like a book, do not necessarily equate to visa ineligibility,” Jackson stated.
Previously, the Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration, seeking the publication of Prince Harry’s immigration records. Although unsuccessful, the lawsuit raised attention around Harry’s visa application process. With Trump’s renewed power, speculation has intensified over whether he would direct immigration authorities to review Harry’s visa status, potentially placing his residency in jeopardy.
The Sussexes’ Contingency Plans
Reports indicate that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing for a potential move if Trump follows through on his public threats. Sources close to the couple claim they are developing a contingency plan that would see them relocate to Europe with their children, Archie and Lilibet, should deportation pressures mount. Although Meghan and Harry reportedly enjoy life in California, Trump’s threats have prompted them to weigh alternative options.
Royal commentator and former royal butler Grant Harrold suggested that while the Sussexes may indeed relocate, he doubts political motivations alone would drive their decision. Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Harrold noted:
“I think it would be personal, not political, if they moved. They may simply wish to be closer to family in Europe.”
Even so, insiders claim Trump’s comments are a source of stress for the couple, with one source revealing: “The Sussexes are worried sick over Trump’s threats. They’re not taking any chances and want to protect their family’s safety.”
History of Celebrities and Visa Scrutiny
Trump’s potential action against Prince Harry aligns with a historical trend of scrutinizing high-profile figures with past addiction issues. Celebrities have faced visa denials over addiction admissions in the past, adding weight to concerns around Harry’s case. However, while Trump has stated that he would not offer special protections to the Duke of Sussex, it remains unclear whether he has the power to initiate a visa review based on public admissions alone.
In a recent discussion with Nigel Farage on GB News, Trump commented on the matter, hinting that any admissions related to drug use could merit “appropriate action.” While specifics of such “action” remain undefined, Trump’s words are fueling speculation that immigration authorities might revisit Harry’s case.
“You would have thought they would have known about this a long time ago,” Trump quipped, suggesting prior administrations may have overlooked Harry’s immigration background.
Will Trump Follow Through on Deportation Threat?
As Donald Trump resumes his presidency, his campaign remarks about Prince Harry’s residency status have cast a cloud over the Sussexes’ future in the U.S. While immigration law experts stress that public admissions alone do not guarantee visa ineligibility, Trump’s stance has undeniably raised questions about Harry’s visa security.
For now, Meghan and Harry are believed to be evaluating their options, considering a possible return to Europe if political tensions continue. The saga serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between celebrity privacy and public accountability, particularly for public figures navigating legal matters in a foreign country.
As Trump’s term unfolds, the world will be watching to see whether the former president’s campaign rhetoric translates into concrete action, and what implications that might have for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
