Reports from trusted inside sources suggest that Prince Harry's tenure in America may be drawing to a close.
As you may recall, Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped away from their royal duties in 2020, opting for a life in California. Their decision stemmed from a quest for financial independence and an escape from the relentless media scrutiny that comes with being senior royals. However, their American journey has been fraught with challenges.
From criticisms regarding their business ventures to public remarks about the royal family, they've faced continuous scrutiny. Now, the situation has taken a dramatic turn with reports indicating that a federal judge in California has issued a final judgment that could lead to Harry's deportation from the United States.
This legal ordeal traces back to an ongoing dispute between Harry and the government concerning his immigration status. Despite not being a U.S. citizen, Harry was allowed to stay in the country under specific visas tied to his work or as a dependent of Meghan, who holds dual UK-US citizenship. Last year, it was revealed that Harry's work permits had expired, and he was residing in the US on an expired visa. The government launched an investigation, contending that Harry had been exploiting visa terms to gain permanent resident status unlawfully. This raised concerns among officials, who felt Harry was receiving preferential treatment as a celebrity and not abiding by immigration rules.
After months of legal wrangling, the case reached its climax when Federal District Court Judge Robert S. Muller III delivered his final ruling last week. Reports suggest Judge Muller spent over an hour meticulously outlining his rationale for siding with the government's claims. He dismissed the defense's arguments regarding Harry's charitable work or security risks, firmly stating that no one, not even members of the British royal family, is above the law. Judge Muller concluded that Harry had abused the privileges of his visas and hadn't made a genuine effort to maintain legal status. Consequently, Harry's current visa was revoked, and he was prohibited from seeking further visas or immigration relief in the future. He was given 30 days to leave the United States voluntarily or face deportation.
Harry, taken aback by the severity of the judgment, requested more time to settle his affairs. However, Judge Muller declined, highlighting that Harry had ample opportunities to resolve the matter legally over the past year. Witnesses described Harry leaving the courtroom in a state of shock, immediately reaching out to friends in the UK for support. The news of the ruling sparked reactions globally, with supporters decrying it as cruel and heartless while critics argued it upheld the rule of law. Meghan was reportedly inconsolable at the thought of her husband being forced to leave their adopted homeland.
Over the weekend, royal circles buzzed with shock over the turn of events. Prince Charles and other senior royals were reportedly bracing for fallout from Harry's immigration issues but hadn't anticipated deportation. Concern now looms over the impact on Harry and Meghan's mental well-being, as well as their already strained relationship with the royal family. While Prince Charles is eager to assist his son, he acknowledges limitations due to the U.S. legal process. The queen, saddened by her grandson's turmoil, sees the judge's ruling as fair and respectful of American law. Nonetheless, as Harry's time on U.S. soil dwindles, the future appears uncertain for the prince.
