Newly released documents concerning Prince Harry's U.S. immigration status are heavily censored, leaving questions about his past drug use unanswered. Federal officials argue that revealing detailed records could lead to unnecessary "harm" and "harassment" for the royal. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative organization, had requested more information about Harry's move to the U.S. through a Freedom of Information Act request, hoping to uncover whether he had disclosed any past drug use when relocating to California with his wife, Meghan Markle.
The documents, made public on Tuesday, were significantly redacted, supporting the view that privacy concerns outweigh public interest, according to Mary Hoopes, an immigration law professor at Pepperdine University. Jarrod Panter, the chief FOIA officer for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that releasing Harry's exact status could lead to harassment and unwanted media attention.
The Heritage Foundation argues there is significant public interest in whether Harry received preferential treatment during his immigration process, especially after his 2023 memoir "Spare" revealed his past drug use. In the book, Harry admitted to using cocaine and other substances, describing it as a way to feel different, though not particularly enjoyable.
While past drug use doesn't automatically bar someone from entering the U.S., dishonesty on immigration forms can have serious repercussions. Heritage Foundation attorney Samuel Dewey noted that lying on such forms can lead to deportation, a consequence faced by many individuals.