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USCIS launches first phase of new FOIA request system allowing digital access to records

  1. Original Date Announced

    May 30, 2018

    USCIS announces the launch of the FOIA Immigration Records SysTem (FIRST), which will eventually allow all FOIA requestors to track their requests through a USCIS online account and receive their documents digitally. In the first phase, FOIA requestors who have an immigration court date pending and file a request for documents can create an account within myUSCIS to receive the documents digitally. USCIS plans to expand this service to all requestors in the coming months. Before this change, USCIS only accepted FOIA requests by mail, fax, and email, and requestors typically received their documents on a compact disc by mail. [ID #891]

    USCIS News Release: USCIS to Implement Online Processing of FOIA Requests
  2. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    July 24, 2018

    USCIS News Release: USCIS Continues to Expand Digital Delivery of FOIA Requests

    USCIS introduces the second phase of FIRST. View Document
  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    June 25, 2019

    USCIS Expands FIRST: A Fully Digital FOIA System

    USCIS announces the continued expansion of FIRST. Effective June 25, 2019, FOIA requestors with a USCIS online account can submit requests online for their own records. View Document

Current Status

Fully in Effect

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Agencies Affected: USCIS

Documents

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