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      Subscribe to receive FOIA news and updates.How to Make FOIA Requests
This page provides you with information on how to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request or a Privacy Act request. FOIA allows any person to request that agency records be made public. The agency will first review the information and black out anything that must be withheld under the law. They will then send you the records you requested.

To request your immigration-related records, you may find it useful to use U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-639.   To file a first-party request for records not related to immigration, you may find it useful to use U.S. Department of Justice Certification of Identity Form DOJ-361.

If your request meets certain standards, you can ask for a fee waiver or expedited handling.  Failure to provide required information when submitting a FOIA request may result in a delay or rejection of requests.

­­­Step-by-step to File a FOIA Request
	How to submit a FOIA request.
	Fee Structure and Waivers
	While the FOIA supports disclosure of federal agency records, the law recognizes the legitimate need to restrict disclosure of some information.
	Processing (Normal and Expedited)
	Information on expedited processing of your FOIA request.
	Limits and Exemptions on FOIA Requests
	While the FOIA supports disclosure of federal agency records, the law recognizes the legitimate need to restrict disclosure of some information.
	Appeals and Mediation
	You can file an appeal to have the agency reconsider its initial handling of your request.  Send your appeal and a copy of the response within 90 days of the date of the response letter to the following address. Your envelope and letter should be marked “FOIA Appeal.”Privacy Office, Attn: FOIA Appeals
	Mail Stop 0655
	U.S. Department of Homeland Security
	2707 Martin Luther King Jr. AVE SE
	Washington, D.C. 20528-065.For updates on pending FOIA appeals, please contact:
202-343-1662 | Email: FOIA@hq.dhs.gov
      
    
    TopicsPrivacyKeywordsFreedom of Information Act (FOIA)

    Last Updated: 11/01/2022
  
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