Prince Harry could be barred from the US and has ‘compromised’ visa after drug approval

Prince Harry could be banned from the US and has his visa “at risk” after admitting his illegal drug use, immigration experts have warned.

The Duke of Sussex, 38, has admitted to using cocaine, smoking cannabis and using hallucinogenic mushrooms in his forthcoming memoir.

Typical applicants would be denied a visa because of their history of illegal substances, but US authorities note that entry into the country is granted on a case-by-case basis.

It’s unclear if Harry, who moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020, detailed his drug use on his visa application. Immigration experts warn the Duke could have his visa revoked if he ‘lies’ about his past.

Prince Harry could be banned from the US and has his visa “at risk” after admitting his illegal drug use, immigration experts have warned. The Duke of Sussex is pictured drinking in Belize in March 2012

Harry (pictured with his wife) moved to California with Meghan Markle in 2020. Most applicants with a history of drug use would be denied American visas, but immigration decisions are made on a case-by-case basis

In his new autobiography, Spare, Harry revealed that when he was 17, he first tried cocaine during a weekend of filming. On other occasions he made “a few more lines”.

The one tough partygoer also admitted to hallucinating during a celebrity-filled event in California and smoking cannabis after his first date with Meghan.

Most applicants with a history of drug use would be refused American visas, but immigration decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis, the Sunday Times reported.

US immigration regulations state an individual’s “actual and/or past actions, such as B. Drug or criminal activities. . . may render the applicant unsuitable for a visa”.

It’s unclear what type of U.S. visa Harry holds, but analysts speculate that he holds either a spousal visa sponsored by his American wife or an O-1 visa, which is granted to those with “extraordinary ability.”

If Harry holds an O-1 visa, which is often given to celebrities and athletes, it would have to be renewed after three years.

The Sussexes moved to California in 2020, meaning his visa could expire this year. His renewal application could be impacted by his newly admitted drug history.

It’s unclear what type of U.S. visa Harry holds, but analysts speculate that he holds either a spousal visa sponsored by his American wife or an O-1 visa, which is granted to those with “extraordinary ability.”

US State Department officials declined to answer questions about Harry’s immigration status

However, immigration experts note that if Harry had not disclosed his drug use during the application process, he should have been denied residency in the United States.

Anyone seeking temporary or permanent residency in the United States must answer a series of questions about their criminal and drug history when applying.

‘He would have been asked [about drug use]. If he was truthful in his answers, he should have been rejected,” Prof Alberto Benítez, director of George Washington University’s immigration clinic, told The Telegraph.

The professor argued that if Harry had not detailed his drug use, he “would have committed perjury on an official US government document.”

He claimed honesty was in the Duke’s “best interests” and noted that his royal status may have allowed him discretion from immigration officials.

“If he wasn’t Prince Harry, if he were ‘Fred Jones’ and he had that background, he would have a lot more control and I could certainly imagine the green card being denied,” added Prof Benitez.

Immigration experts claim that Harry may have been given discretion during his visa application process due to his royal status. He leaves Public Nightclub in London in December 2010 after partying with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice

State Department officials declined to answer the newspaper’s question as to whether or not his admission of drug use would cause “difficulties” with his immigration status.

“Visa records are confidential under US law; Therefore, we cannot discuss the details of individual visa cases. We cannot speculate on whether or not someone is eligible for a visa,” a Times spokesman said.

“Whenever an individual applies for a U.S. visa, a consular officer reviews the facts and determines whether the applicant qualifies for that visa under U.S. law.”

The spokesman added: “All visa applications will be decided on a case-by-case basis.”

MailOnline has reached out to representatives from Harry and the US State Department for comment.