Kaylah Walton
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have garnered significant attention regarding their stay in the U.S., especially since Donald Trump secured the presidential election victory. Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the Duke of Sussex, leading to concerns surrounding Harry’s immigration status, particularly following revelations of his past drug use in his memoir, Spare.
While some believe that deportation could be a possibility, there are those who consider it improbable under Trump’s administration.
Trump’s Views on Immigration and Harry
In his campaign, Trump accused the Biden administration of being overly lenient towards Harry, highlighting the Duke’s admission of using drugs like cocaine and magic mushrooms. U.S. immigration policies impose strict rules on drug use history, and non-disclosure can lead to visa issues or even deportation.
During a talk with Nigel Farage on GB News, Trump remarked, “If they know something about the drugs, and if he lied, appropriate action needs to be taken.” However, when directly asked about the possibility of deportation, Trump was non-committal, simply stating, “You just have to tell me.”
This isn’t the first occasion Trump has criticized the Sussexes. Back in 2020, following their exit from royal duties, Trump bluntly asserted, “He betrayed the Queen. That’s unforgivable.”
Public Reactions Are Mixed
Public sentiment regarding Trump’s comments is divided. A recent poll by The Mirror found that 58% of participants see the possibility of deportation as real. Some social media users expressed strong views, with remarks like, “It would be fitting if Harry was deported for lies on his visa application.”
Conversely, others believe Trump would avoid such an extreme action, considering its potential impact on U.S.-U.K. relations. One commenter suggested, “Trump aims for an honorary knighthood; he wouldn’t risk angering the Royal Family.”
Pressure from The Heritage Foundation
Compounding the situation, The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, is advocating for the disclosure of Harry’s visa details. They stress the importance of transparency given his admissions regarding drug use. Nile Gardiner, a spokesperson for the Foundation, stated, “It’s crucial for American interests to examine Harry’s application closely.”
Whether Trump will take action remains uncertain. The deportation of such a notable figure as Harry could lead to diplomatic fallout, something Trump might prefer to circumvent. For now, the future of the Sussexes in America is uncertain as discussions around this topic continue.
