Prince Harry’s immigration status in the U.S. has become a hot-button issue, especially after former President Donald Trump shared his thoughts on the matter. Since moving to California with Meghan Markle and their children, Harry has faced criticism from conservatives who question his eligibility to live in the country.
The controversy began after Harry’s memoir, Spare, revealed his past drug use. Critics argue that this should have disqualified him from obtaining a U.S. visa, particularly if he failed to disclose this information on his immigration forms. Trump, who has been critical of Harry and Meghan in the past, recently addressed the issue in an interview with the New York Post.
When asked if he would deport Prince Harry, Trump surprised many by stating that he has no plans to do so. “I don’t want to do that,” he said. “I’ll leave him alone.” This marked a shift from his previous comments, where he had suggested that Harry’s actions warranted deportation.
Trump attributed his change of heart to Harry’s personal struggles, particularly his relationship with Meghan. “He’s got enough problems with his wife,” Trump said. “She’s terrible.” This isn’t the first time Trump has criticized Meghan. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Markle called Trump “misogynistic” and “divisive,” prompting Trump to label her comments as “nasty.”
The tension between Trump and the Sussexes has been ongoing. Trump has repeatedly criticized their decision to leave the U.K. and step back from royal duties, calling it a betrayal of Queen Elizabeth. He has also expressed disapproval of the U.S. government providing security for the couple when they first moved to California.
The current visa controversy stems from Harry’s admissions in Spare. Conservative groups, such as the Heritage Foundation, have called for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release details about Harry’s immigration status, claiming that he may have been improperly granted a visa.
While the DHS initially declined to release this information, the case has since gone to court. A judge has stated that they will push for “maximum disclosure” as long as it doesn’t violate privacy laws. This has left Harry in a precarious position, with royal experts suggesting that the situation could become even more complicated now that Trump is back in office.
Jennie Bond, a royal reporter, told The Mirror that this is a worrying time for Harry. “There’s no doubt that President Trump’s return to the White House means that this is squeaky bum time for Harry,” she said. Bond added that Trump’s history of making threats and occasionally acting on them makes the situation even more uncertain for the prince.
Despite the ongoing drama, Trump has also taken the time to praise Prince William, calling him “a great young man” after meeting him during the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris last year. This meeting seemed to leave a positive impression on Trump, who has since spoken highly of William.
The rift between Harry and William has been well-documented, with tensions reportedly stemming from Harry’s relationship with Meghan and their decision to leave the U.K. While the brothers have reunited on occasion, such as during the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, their relationship remains strained.
For now, it seems that Trump has decided to let Harry stay in the U.S., but the situation remains fluid. If the court rules in favor of releasing Harry’s immigration details, it could lead to further complications. Additionally, if Harry and Meghan continue to speak out publicly, Trump may reconsider his stance.
As the legal battle unfolds, Harry and Meghan are likely to remain in the spotlight, with their every move scrutinized by both supporters and critics. For now, all they can do is wait and hope for the best.