A GOP congressman who has sponsored marijuana reform legislation is filing a new bill to target immigrants who’ve lied about illicit drug use on their visa applications–sending a political message amid conservative scrutiny of the UK’s Prince Harry, who has disclosed using psychedelics and cannabis before moving to the U.S.
The SPARE Act was introduced by Rep. Greg Steube, R-FL, on Tuesday. It is named after the memoir of the duke, “Spare”, which describes his experiences as a British royal child.
The stunt by the congressman comes after a conservative group sued the Department of Homeland Security to get a copy of Prince Harry’s immigration records. They wanted to know if Prince Harry admitted to using illegal substances in his visa application. Prince Harry has been publicly discussed several times since he moved to the country.
I introduced the SPARE Act to require fair enforcement of our visa laws.https://t.co/BnSi6CFNog
Congressman Greg Steube 8 August 2023
Steube stated in a release that the Biden administration “deliberately refuses to enforce the immigration laws of our country at the Southern border and appears to be obstructing fair and equal enforcement” of our visa laws. “Left-wing celebrity like Prince Harry who has a history of illegal drug usage should be subjected the same standards of enforcement and our country’s Immigration laws as any other foreign.”
The bill is not yet available, but the congressman – who has also sponsored measures that would federally reschedule cannabis as well as protect benefits for veterans participating in medical marijuana programs – said the SPARE Act gave DHS 60-days to investigate “credible” allegations that an immigrant had lied about using a controlled drug illegally during their application process. If the claim was verified, the person would be deported
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“I introduced SPARE Act, because I believe that individuals should be immediately deported if they lie on their visa applications,” said. If the Executive Branch is giving waivers based on drug use to individuals entering the U.S. this information shouldn’t be kept secret. We must make sure that no one gets preferential treatment in secret.
Prince Harry admitted to having tried drugs recreationally, but he has said that cannabis and other psychedelics helped him deal with the trauma of losing his mother Princess Diana. Many veterans also use medical marijuana. Steube filed multiple bills to protect federal benefits for those who decide to try alternative therapies.
If they are found to have lied on their visa applications, individuals should be immediately deported. The public should be informed if the Executive Branch grants waivers based on drug use.
Congressman Greg Steube 8 August 2023
The new bill by the congressman would also make any DHS waivers of immigration related to previous drug use subject to Freedom of Information Act so that the public can obtain these records. The conservative Heritage Foundation submitted for Prince Harry’s visa application. However, it was denied as immigration records generally are exempt from sunshine law. This led to a federal agency being sued.
Steube’s focus this session may be on messaging to appeal to conservatives that have been critical of the progressive prince.
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