FOIAS:

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) enables individuals to request access to their records from U.S. government agencies, including, but not limited to, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of State (DOS). FOIA requests play a crucial role for individuals seeking to obtain their immigration history, which is often necessary prior to submitting applications or while defending themselves in legal matters.

Why Request a FOIA?

1. To Obtain all Entry and exit records, Past visa applications and decisions, and Copies of immigration petitions and approvals.

2. To Check for Immigration Issues

3. Previous deportation orders.

4. Detention and removal records.

5. Interactions with immigration agencies, and

6. Prepare and analyze your future immigration applications as FOIA records can help analyze your eligibility for adjustment of status, naturalization, waivers, visas, Paroles, and other humanitarian cases including asylum cases among others.

General requirements:

1. Full name, date of birth, and A-Number (if applicable).

2. Copies of any past immigration documents (passport, visas, receipt notices).

* Please note: some documents may be redacted or unavailable depending on the requested agency.