Prince Harry's musings on potentially becoming an American citizen, aired during his interview on Good Morning America, have now been thrust into the midst of a legal battle against the Biden Administration.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington DC, initiated legal action under the Freedom of Information Act against the Department of Homeland Security following Harry's admission of past drug use. They argue that such admission should have rendered him ineligible for entry into the US. Despite relocating to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, the Foundation alleges that Harry either concealed his history of drug use or received preferential treatment due to his royal status.
Harry's remarks during the GMA interview, aired on February 16th, are set to be pivotal in the Foundation's case. The prince mentioned on the show that American citizenship had crossed his mind but wasn't a priority at the moment.
Potential repercussions loom over Harry's residency in the United States, particularly if he's found to have misrepresented facts on his visa application regarding his drug use. The possibility of deportation, especially under a Republican presidency, hangs in the balance. This follows Harry's public admission to consuming various drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, and magic mushrooms, as detailed in his memoir.
The Heritage Foundation's call for transparency regarding Harry's visa application underscores the gravity of the situation. N. Gardner, Director of The Heritage Foundation, emphasized the potential consequences, stating that if Harry indeed falsified his application, public pressure would mount for his expulsion from the country.
While sources close to the prince insist he was forthright on his visa application, suggesting he disclosed his drug use, the path to American citizenship isn't devoid of complexities. Should Harry pursue citizenship, he may face the requirement to renounce his royal title, in line with US citizenship rules. Any applicant with hereditary titles or noble positions in foreign states must publicly renounce such titles as part of the naturalization process, demonstrating allegiance to the US Constitution.
The timing of Harry's contemplation of American citizenship raises eyebrows, particularly amidst King Charles III's battle with life-threatening cancer. Some, like Ro author Ingred Sewed, have expressed concerns over Harry's perceived casualness in his remarks, suggesting he ought to tread more cautiously. As discussions swirl around his potential future, one thing remains certain: the path to citizenship is fraught with complexities and potential consequences, especially for someone of Harry's royal standing.
