If your immigration application was denied, it’s natural to want to understand exactly why. Without clear answers, moving forward can feel overwhelming and confusing. This is where a USCIS FOIA request can help. Whether you’re preparing for a new application, responding to a denial, or facing removal, a FOIA request can be the first step to take.
At Inspira Immigration Law, we can help you put in an FOIA request to get a clear picture of your immigration history and how to best move forward. We not only understand the Freedom of Information Act, but we also know how to utilize it for your immigration case.
Whether it’s a green card, waiver, or humanitarian relief, we’ll review your case and explain what’s possible.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that gives you the legal right to request access to records held by U.S government agencies. For immigration purposes, a FOIA request allows you to get important documents from agencies like USCIS, CBP, ICE, and others that could be crucial to your immigration case.
While anyone can file a FOIA request, doing it correctly is key. If the request is too broad or incorrectly submitted, it can result in long delays, missing documents, or redacted (blacked-out) information.
That’s why many people choose to work with an immigration attorney to make sure the request is done right, targets the right records, and supports their larger legal goals. You can contact an experienced attorney at Inspira Immigration Law to begin your FOIA request process.
Here’s how the process works:
Identify the government agency that holds the records you need. USCIS is the go-to agency for most immigration records in the United States.
Submit your request online through the agency’s FOIA portal or fill out the agency-specific FOIA form. For USCIS FOIA requests, file through the USCIS FOIA portal or by mailing Form G-639. Be specific about what records you’re requesting (e.g., A-File, interview notes, notices of action). Include identifying details like your full name, date of birth, and A-number (if known).
Once submitted, USCIS will acknowledge your request and assign a tracking number that can be used to follow up on the request.
If you’ve submitted the request correctly and it is approved, you will receive the documents. You can review them with your immigration lawyer and hopefully gain insight into your case.
On average, for a USCIS FOIA request, it may take between five working days to as much as six months, depending on the request and how many files are involved. U.S. Customs and Border Protection FOIA requests ordinarily take 20 business days, but they usually extend beyond that in many cases.
You might be thinking, “it’s just a matter of filling out a form and waiting for the documents.” But in reality, FOIA requests, especially those involving immigration cases, can get complicated fast. That’s where an immigration lawyer can come in to help you handle the process. When it comes to FOIA requests, our experienced immigration lawyers at Inspira Immigration Law know the process, inside and out.
Some key reasons why you should contact us for your USCIS FOIA request include:
We know how complex legal requirements for FOIA requests are, especially when the records relate to sensitive immigration matters. So, we take on the burden of handling the legalities so you don’t have to. From identifying the correct agency to contact to making sure the request includes all the necessary details, we take care of it all. Our goal is to ensure your request is detailed, complete, and submitted correctly and on time.
FOIA records often contain vital information that can shape the outcome of an immigration application, appeal, or court hearing. We know exactly what to look for and how to use that information to your benefit. Whether it’s identifying procedural errors, previous filings, or government notes, we ensure that no important detail is overlooked.
Every client has a unique story, and we treat every FOIA request with that same level of care and personalization. We are not a filing service; we are legal professionals who advocate for your access to justice and truth. When you hire us, you are not just hiring someone to take on the job, but one who is dedicated to your outcome.
Leonelba Martinez and the immigration team at the Inspira Immigration Law have helped countless clients successfully request and receive their records. We know how to strategically support your case and get you the outcome you desire.
Contact us today to request a consultation!
