FOIA: Get a Copy of Your Immigration File

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Get a Copy of your Immigration File From
USCIS and EOIR

• Immigration Attorney
• By Carl Shusterman

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 Why You Should Get a Copy of Your File

• See What the Government Knows About You
• All Applications and Decisions in Your Case
• Examples Are You 245i? VD or Deport?
• Compare this Strategy to a Poker Game

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How To Get a Copy of Your File

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• Use Form G-639
• No Filing Fee
• Download Form for Free

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Should You Hire an Attorney?

• It Depends on Your Immigration Status
• Do You Want to Reveal Your Address?
• Do You Want Your File Reviewed/Analyzed?
• FOIA Appeals Redacted Materials

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USCIS Files

• Do You Have an A Number?
• How Long Does It Take To Get Your File?
• ICE File Will Be Part of Your USCIS File
• Purpose of Requesting File

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EOIR Files

• What Does EOIR Stand For?
• Have You Ever Been in Immigration Court?
• Expedited FOIA Requests
• Fugitive Disentitlement Doctrine

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Our Recommendations for How to Use FOIA

• Better to Do Case Right, Rather than Fast
• First Submit a FOIA Request
• Second File Review
• Third Opinion of Counsel Letter