FOIA RECORDS + REPLACING DOCUMENTS

AND WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT KNOW ABOUT MY HISTORY?

In many cases, it is best practice to order copies of old immigration or criminal records before a client applies for an immigration benefit. It is important to know ahead of time what the U.S. government has recorded about you and your history. 

The U.S. government has various methods of keeping track of entries, exits, detentions, old applications for benefits, previous deportation orders, court proceedings, certificates, criminal encounters, etc. You can access your history by ordering records directly from different states or cities, or through formal “FOIA” requests (“Freedom of Information Act”).

Encanto Law knows which FOIAs are appropriate for each case, and can help you piece together your immigration and criminal history ahead of time so that there are no surprises down the line.

WHICH AGENCIES COLLECT MY IMMIGRATION AND CRIMINAL HISTORY?

The U.S. government collects data and keeps records with several different agencies. Depending on the case, you may need to order records from one or more of these agencies:

• CBP (customs and border patrol)
• EOIR (the immigration judge and BIA - immigration appellate court)
• ICE (removals / deportations)
• DHS (Department of Homeland Security)
• USCIS (visas, applications, and citizenship records)
• FBI (federal criminal record database)
• OBIM (border records and biometrics data)
• Law Enforcement Agencies / Police Records / Vital Records
• Municipal, County, State, or Federal Court Records

Each agency has its own process and timeline. In some cases, you can request an “expedited” response, especially for clients in removal proceedings. Each FOIA request is handled on a case-by-case basis.

YOU CAN RENEW A WORK PERMIT OR A GREEN CARD. YOU CAN ALSO REPLACE MISSING DOCUMENTS.

If you are ready to renew your green card or work permit, or if you need to replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed document, the team at Encanto Law is ready to help. Our process can also be used if there is a name change or incorrect data on a card.