The controversy surrounding the visa records of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, took an intriguing turn recently. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally denied the Heritage Foundation's plea to disclose Harry's immigration details, invoking privacy norms, as per a New York Post report. This move triggered a spectrum of reactions on Twitter, with some voicing their support for the decision, while others expressed suspicion and discontent.
One user, grappling with the complexities of the issue, noted, "I'm not taken aback-they failed to demonstrate a compelling public interest for releasing the information. If the Heritage Foundation plans to pursue legal action, they need to illustrate the harm they've suffered due to the record's confidentiality."
Several users expressed frustration, suspecting governmental secrecy. "Hardly surprising, isn't it? Those two always manage to wriggle out. THAT'S YOUR US GOVERNMENT FOR YOU. SOMETHING IS BEING COVERED UP," a user criticized.
Others vented their anger and disappointment. "I'm not American, BUT I'M INCREDIBLY ANGRY AND DISAPPOINTED. NOBODY IS EXEMPT FROM THE LAW. With so many tumbling into poverty and justice only reserved for the wealthy," a tweet read.
Some were suspicious, with one remarking, "They must be concealing something then. If everything was kosher, wouldn't it be a non-issue?"
On the flip side, several users came out in defense of the DHS' decision, applauding their adherence to privacy laws. One supporter chimed in, "Fantastic!! The DHS won't be manipulated by some British tabloids!" Another wrote, "Releasing the data would be unlawful-it's private, accessible only to the DHS and those whom Harry has AUTHORIZED IN WRITING. No one was EVER going to gain access! It's against the law!"
A third defended Harry's alleged drug use history, stating, "Drug use can be a determinant, particularly with a criminal record, but it doesn't automatically bar you from a visa. If that were the case, half the foreign entrepreneurs and entertainers working here wouldn't get through the door."
Many expressed frustration at the ongoing scrutiny of Prince Harry, with one declaring, "STOP HARASSING THIS MAN! ENOUGH! Never saw a nation treat one of its own like this! It's as if Harry, a prince, is the worst addict (or criminal) ever! The disrespect towards him is immense. British media are nothing more than bully trash!"
DHS's position is that Prince Harry's visa application details should remain confidential without his explicit consent. DHS senior director Jimmy Wolfrey stated in a letter obtained by The Post, "Assuming such records exist, this office doesn't find the public's interest in disclosure strong enough to supersede the subject's privacy interests."
Meanwhile, Nile Gardiner, head of the Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, criticized the DHS response as a "shocking lack of transparency from the Biden Administration" and pledged to keep the fight alive in court.
