Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launches eFOIA app

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a new free mobile application called “eFOIA”, which allows users to submit and track Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests conveniently from an Android or Apple phone. The app can be download through Google Play and the App Store.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can be made by any individual for documents from any federal government agency in the U.S. This is especially convenient for Immigrants who may have lost copies of their Immigration application or supporting documents which are necessary in order to refile a case or have their case reviewed by an Immigration attorney.

Immigrants can file a FOIA request for their USCIS "A file", which would provide copies of most immigration applications and documents submitted to the USCIS in any Immigration-related case pertaining to the Immigrant. For most Immigrants, the FOIA request should normally be directed to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), those who need to obtain a record of admission to the U.S., should direct the FOIA request to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and FOIA request for Immigration records relating to removal and deportation documents should be directed to the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).

Its important to note that Immigration FOIA requests will not provide copies of I-797 Notice of Action receipts or approvals. Duplicates of the I-797 Notice of Action must be made on form I-824 and require a filing fee of $405.