DHS cites Trump case in withholding details on Prince Harry’s US visa and immigration status
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Government lawyers in the United States cited a case involving Donald Trump to argue against disclosing Prince Harry's immigration status details.
They contend that a court decision regarding Trump's privacy also applies to Harry.
The Heritage Foundation, a Washington DC-based think tank, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking Harry's visa details under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
They seek to determine whether Harry received special treatment due to his admission of drug use in his book, 'Spare.'
DHS lawyer argues in Prince Harry’s visa case involving Donald Trump
(Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
John Bardo, a DHS lawyer, clarified that the Trump case pertained to FOIA requests seeking details on Trump’s interactions with the FBI prior to 2015 when he was a private citizen.
Bardo said, “They found that President Trump, from when he was a private citizen, his privacy interests outweighed any public interest that there may be in previous interactions he may have had with the FBI.”
He argued, “And I would argue, if President Trump has a privacy interest in that kind of interaction with the government, Prince Harry's privacy interest is even greater.”
He added, “Because he was never a governmental official in this country, has never appeared on a ballot in this country. There is a much greater public interest in an interaction with a would-be elected officer than there is a member of the royal family of a foreign country.”
This follows speculation that Harry might have entered the US on a special diplomatic visa. Last month, immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin suggested that Harry could have utilized an 'A-1 Head of State' visa, which is typically reserved for heads of state and members of royal families.
Chavin clarified that the security screening process for this visa category is less rigorous, primarily focusing on espionage, terrorism, and activities contrary to US foreign policy.
An A-1 visa holder, akin to an ambassador, typically enters the US to serve as a senior diplomat. However, an A-1 Head of State visa allows entry into the US without necessitating diplomatic or royal duties.
Harry, who has been residing in the US since 2020, lives in a nine-bedroom mansion in Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children.
In March, Trump suggested Harry might be deported if he were still president. During an interview with Nigel Farage on GB News, Trump implied that Harry would not receive "special privileges."
(Photo by Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)
Internet reacts to DHS lawyer's claims in Prince Harry's visa case
After reviewing the arguments in Prince Harry’s visa case, which involves the Trump case, many internet users have shared their comments, according to the Daily Mail.
Someone commented on Harry's UK intentions, suggesting, “No wonder Harry is desperately looking for houses in the UK. He knows that Trump will revoke his visa and that he'll be kicked to the kerb! LOL!” [sic]
Another wrote, “If they won't release it, it means we are right. He HAS been given preferential treatment."
A user added, “Harry trying to recover his 'lost Royal status' to cover up his lies after DHS gave him favorable entry without checking details. Meanwhile, he continues to juggle balls in the background as directed by his puppet master.” [sic]
Another added, “President Trump is an American citizen. Harry is not. That the two cases would have anything to do with one another is absurd.“
One more user said, “The case is totally different. Trump is a US citizen, Haz is not. Haz doesn't have the same rights and privileges as a US citizen...start packing Haz.”
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
