A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is used to obtain records and information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These types of requests are usually made to determine whether a foreign national’s immigration history will impact their eligibility for an immigration benefit.
FOIA requests can be used to obtain information related to:
- Border apprehension records through 2000
- Interactions, apprehensions, and detentions at the border as of 2000
- Detention records
- Removal/Deportation records
- Prior immigration applications or petitions
- Prior USCIS decisions, including I-94 proof of immigration status
- Interactions with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)
- Form I-94 entry/departure records
- Voluntary return records
- Expedited removal orders
- Advance parole obtained through CBP
- Interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including arrest and detention records
- Investigation records
- SEVIS records
- Notice to Appear (NTAs) for removal proceedings
- Bond requests
FOIA requests must be filed with the appropriate agency. If an FOIA request is not filed with the correct agency, the agency will send a notice that there are no records available. Additionally, there are certain information that will not be disclosed with the FOIA records, such as:
- Classified information to protection national security
- Documents related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of the agency
- Information prohibited from disclosure by federal law
- Trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is confidential or privileged
- Privileged communications within or between agencies
- Information related to another individual’s personal privacy
- Information that is related to the supervision of financial institutions
- Geological information on wells
- Law enforcement records under the exemption at 552(b)(7)(A)
For more information on What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (281) 777-1236 today. We have two convenient locations in north and south Houston, Texas.
Common Questions We Can Help You With
- What is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
- Who can file a FOIA request?
- How do I submit a FOIA request to a federal agency?
- What records can I obtain through FOIA?
- How long does a FOIA request take to process?
- What are the fees for filing a FOIA request?
- What are FOIA exemptions, and what information is not available?
- Can I appeal a FOIA denial?
- What is the difference between FOIA and the Privacy Act?
- How do I file a FOIA request for immigration records?
- Can I use FOIA to get FBI or CIA files?
- What happens if an agency ignores my FOIA request?
- Are FOIA requests public?
- How do journalists use FOIA requests?
- What is the backlog for FOIA requests?
- How do I write a FOIA request letter?
- What is the history and purpose of the Freedom of Information Act?
- Can non‑U.S. citizens file FOIA requests?
- What is the difference between federal FOIA and state public records laws?
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