According to Mail Online, Judge Carl Nichols issued an order in Washington after a four-month review of the Duke of Sussex’s immigration records. The sealed nature of the order means it remains confidential.
Newsweek confirmed the case was dismissed, meaning the public is unlikely to gain access to Harry’s immigration paperwork.
The lawsuit was originally filed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, which claimed Harry might have misled US immigration authorities about past drug use. The group sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after it denied a Freedom of Information request for Harry’s immigration files.
In his memoir “Spare” and a Netflix series, Harry openly discussed his experiences with cannabis, cocaine, and magic mushrooms. The sealed ruling, including an Ex Parte Order, appeared in court records this Tuesday. Ex parte orders are issued without notifying all involved parties, unlike regular court orders.
When attempts are made to view the documents, users are informed they lack permission. Homeland Security had handed over Harry’s immigration paperwork in April for Judge Nichols to evaluate, especially in terms of potential harm that public disclosure might cause.
In February, the judge had expressed dissatisfaction with Homeland Security’s explanations, labeling them as lacking detail.
The case has also gained political traction, with Donald Trump suggesting Harry’s deportation could be a possibility if he wins the upcoming presidential election.
Samuel Dewey, a lawyer representing the Heritage Foundation, noted that it is not unusual for such cases to be sealed, regardless of the outcome. He also added that no clear indication has been given on which side prevailed in the case.
