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Prince Harry Faces Potential Visa Issues Over Drug Revelations
Prince Harry, alongside his wife Meghan Markle, residing in the United States, is currently encountering potential repercussions following revelations disclosed in his upcoming book.
Recent reports from the Daily Mail suggest that he may encounter obstacles in retaining his U.S. visa due to his admission of drug use.
The Duke of Sussex, who is preparing to release his autobiography titled “Spare,” has jeopardized his visa status by acknowledging his past consumption of cocaine, cannabis, and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
According to U.S. visa regulations, individuals with a history of using illicit substances may face visa denial.
In his unreleased memoir, Prince Harry divulges details of his cocaine use during a shooting weekend at the age of 17, admitting to further instances of drug consumption on separate occasions.
While standard procedure dictates that applicants with a history of illegal substance abuse are typically denied visas, exceptions are occasionally granted on a case-by-case basis, as reported by the Sunday Times.
U.S. immigration guidelines stipulate that an individual's prior involvement in drug-related or criminal activities could render them ineligible for a visa.
Speculation from the Daily Mail suggests that Prince Harry might hold either a spousal visa sponsored by his American wife or an O-1 visa designated for individuals with exceptional abilities.
Typically, such visas necessitate renewal every three years, with Prince Harry's visa set for renewal later this year following his relocation to California in 2020.
Had Prince Harry disclosed his drug usage earlier, he likely would have faced rejection for residency, as applicants seeking residency undergo thorough questioning regarding their criminal and drug histories.
Professor Alberto Benitez, director of Washington University's Immigration Clinic, expressed insights on the matter in an interview with the Telegraph.
While visa records remain confidential under U.S. law, discussions regarding individual visa cases are prohibited, leaving the eligibility of Prince Harry's visa uncertain.
Upon visa application, a consular officer evaluates each case based on U.S. law to determine the applicant's visa eligibility.
The decision-making process remains confidential, making it challenging to predict Prince Harry's visa outcome.
The ongoing debate raises questions about the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's presence in the U.S. Should their controversial exit from the royal family, commonly referred to as “Megxit,” be reconsidered?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
As developments unfold, stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.