FOIA provides an indispensable tool to immigrants and immigration practitioners because a FOIA request can reveal critical information about procedural and legal history in an individual’s case. Information uncovered through a FOIA request can help a person piece together their immigration history, assess the risk of applying for a current immigration benefit, and determine what relief might be possible if facing removal proceedings.
This practice advisory will review recent changes and current practice in filing FOIA requests with DHS and with the different offices within DHS. Since January 22, 2026, all have transitioned exclusively to online filing. The only exception is for persons who lack internet access, such as incarcerated requestors, who may still file on paper, by mail.