US lawyers fight to keep Prince Harry's visa 'law enforcement' docs secret, warn of potential 'stigma'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: US government attorneys are in a legal battle to withhold 'law enforcement' documents linked to Prince Harry's visa application. This argument is detailed in a 53-page court transcript slated for release last night.
This development follows a February hearing where a think tank argued for the public release of details from the Duke of Sussex's March 2020 visa application, specifically focusing on his responses regarding drug use.
What did the DHS lawyer say?
In the court transcript, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lawyers contend that Prince Harry's right to privacy warrants the sealing of his visa documents.
When questioned by the judge about the 'privacy interest' claimed on the duke's behalf, DHS lawyer John Bardo cited the nature of the documents as 'law enforcement records'.
He emphasized “a stigma associated with being mentioned in a law enforcement record”. He also noted the inclusion of, "confidential law enforcement tools and techniques" as per DailyMail.
This is the first instance where law enforcement records have been referenced in connection with Harry's visa case.
Although the specific records remain unclear, an immigration lawyer based in Los Angeles remarked on the unusual use of the term 'stigma' and speculated on its implications.
"It's a highly unusual word not usually seen in cases like this and it begs the question, what is in there that could attach a stigma to Prince Harry's application?"
Lawyer claimed, “There is no way of knowing until the records are made public.”
Conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation is suing the DHS to compel the release of all documents about Harry's entry and residency in the US.
Central to the dispute is Harry's response to the visa application question regarding drug use. While Harry admitted to drug use in his memoir, 'Spare,' DHS attorney Mr Bardo argued that the book doesn't constitute sworn testimony or proof.
Judge Carl Nichols is currently reviewing the documents privately and is expected to issue a ruling 'within weeks' regarding their public disclosure.
Internet questions Prince Harry amid legal battle in revealing his law enforcement records
Upon learning about the debate surrounding Prince Harry's visa documents, numerous internet users have shared their viewpoints on the matter, according to reports from DailyMail.
(Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
One user said, "I personally think that if the authorities are so reluctant to publish these documents, there can only be one reason why."
A second user added, "Others have had these documents published why not the former spare? He is nothing special."
A third added, "If there would be a 'stigma' attached to these 'law enforcement' documents, then why would he be getting a long-term visa? If it were anyone else ....in other words, he didn't submit a truthful application."
A fourth user claimed, "There's your answer. They have given Harry a visa because of who he is. no forms were filled filed!"
A last user questioned, "A right to privacy??? he wrote about it in a published and heavily promoted book!!!"
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.
