FOIA Record Recovery for Immigrants with Removal History

For immigrants and families who need government records from prior detention, removal, or enforcement history before deciding how to proceed with immigration filings.

FOIA Record Recovery for Immigrants with Removal History helps you build decisions on actual records instead of memory gaps. Prior removal, encounters with ICE, or old filings can affect current options, and those details often live in agency files you do not currently have. We plan a focused FOIA strategy so the right requests go to the right agencies with the right identifiers.

This service is practical and organized. We identify which records are most relevant, prepare a request map, and explain how retrieved records can influence later strategy work. The goal is clarity before filing, not last-minute surprises.

During this strategy stage, we focus on decision quality before documents are submitted. That means confirming facts, screening practical risks, and setting a work plan you can realistically complete. The goal is not speed at any cost. The goal is forward progress with fewer avoidable surprises.

Schedule a Strategy Consultation Request Evaluation by Email

What happens after you contact us: we confirm your goals, request key records, and provide a clear strategy consultation plan.

Who This Is For

Immigrants with prior removal, expedited removal, or voluntary departure history.
Clients who attended immigration court but lack complete records.
Families preparing waivers or new filings without prior case files.
People who have old A-number references but no supporting documents.
Applicants with inconsistent memories of prior enforcement events.
Clients who need a records strategy before consultation on merits.
Families coordinating records from multiple agencies.
People facing deadlines and needing triage of priority requests.

Common Situations We See

Unknown details of old removal order

The family knows a case existed but does not know dates, outcomes, or procedural history needed for current eligibility analysis.

Prior detention with limited paperwork

A client kept only fragments of paperwork and now needs complete records to evaluate reentry, waiver, or reopening options.

Conflicting records across agencies

Names, dates, or event details differ across available notices, making full FOIA retrieval and reconciliation essential.

Case planning blocked by missing file history

Without records, legal strategy remains guesswork. We prioritize requests that unlock the most important decisions first.

Urgent family petition with unresolved past history

Family-based options may exist, but prior enforcement records need review to avoid filing without full context.

Key Risks to Screen Before Filing

Submitting requests to incomplete or incorrect agency targets.
Using inconsistent identity data across FOIA requests.
Failing to request full file categories tied to enforcement history.
Assuming court records and agency records are automatically aligned.
Losing timeline clarity due to unorganized document returns.
Waiting too long to request records needed for near-term filings.
Making legal conclusions before record confirmation.

How Our Strategy Service Works

Intake session to map known enforcement and court events.
Agency targeting plan for USCIS, ICE, CBP, EOIR, and related records as needed.
FOIA request strategy with identifiers and scope prioritization.
Tracking plan and document organization framework for responses.
Follow-up strategy review after key records are received.

Each step is designed to reduce guesswork. By the end of the process, you should know what to do next, what to postpone, and what records are required before moving into filing or representation.

Why New Horizons Legal

New Horizons Legal takes a strategy-first approach so key decisions are made before forms are filed. We use careful risk screening to identify issues early and reduce avoidable mistakes. Our process emphasizes practical organization, plain-language communication, and realistic planning. You leave with clear next steps that match your facts and timeline.

What You Receive

FOIA request roadmap by agency and record category.
Priority matrix for critical versus supplemental records.
Identifier consistency checklist to reduce request delays.
Timeline tracker template for pending requests and responses.
Document organization structure for future legal review.
Summary of likely strategy implications after records arrive.
Action plan for next consultation stage once records are complete.
Status follow-up checklist for unresolved requests.

Typical Documents to Gather

Any prior notice to appear, removal order, or hearing notice.
Old USCIS receipts, approvals, denials, or biometrics notices.
Passports, IDs, and alias/name-variant information.
A-number references and booking identifiers if available.
Court correspondence and attorney notices from prior cases.
Travel records and border encounter paperwork.
Prior FOIA responses already received.
Family petition records relevant to current planning.
Address history and known event timelines.
Certified translations for non-English identity records.

Pricing and Scope

Typical strategy planning range: $1,500 to $3,500. Final fee depends on complexity, record volume, and urgency. We confirm a flat-fee scope before work begins.

This helps families understand exactly what is covered in planning versus what would require a separate engagement for filing support, submissions, or agency representation.

Usually Included

FOIA-focused strategy consultation.
Agency targeting and request planning.
Record organization framework and tracking guidance.
Post-planning follow-up note on next records milestones.

Usually Not Included

Representation in court or agency proceedings.
Drafting substantive waivers or full filing packages unless separately retained.
Third-party document acquisition fees and mailing costs.

Final fee depends on number of agencies and complexity of prior history.
If deeper merits analysis is needed after records arrive, that is quoted as a separate stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need FOIA records before filing anything new?

Not in every case, but with removal or enforcement history, records often provide critical facts that should be reviewed before filing decisions.

How long do FOIA requests usually take?

Timelines vary by agency and backlog. We provide planning windows and practical steps to take while waiting for responses.

Can one FOIA request get everything?

Usually no. Different agencies hold different records, so a coordinated request strategy is often required.

Will this service include court representation?

No. This service is for records recovery strategy. Representation in proceedings is separate and requires a dedicated engagement.

What if my records contain errors?

We flag discrepancies for follow-up strategy. Correcting or contextualizing errors can be part of later case planning.

Can families start this service together?

Yes, especially when multiple family members have linked records. We can organize priorities across related files.

Is this page legal advice for my case?

No. Page content is general information. Case-specific guidance happens in a consultation based on your records and facts.

Related Services

ICE Check-In Compliance Planning for Immigrants on Supervision

Compliance-focused strategy service for individuals on supervision who need clear preparation and documentation planning for ICE check-ins.

Inadmissibility Waiver Planning for Immigrants Facing 3- and 10-Year Bars

Pre-filing waiver strategy for families managing unlawful presence bars and planning evidence before consular or adjustment decisions.

Green Card Strategy for Immigrants with Prior USCIS Denials

Structured planning for applicants with one or more prior USCIS denials who need a stronger approach before filing again.

Immigration Risk Assessments for Mixed-Status Families

Comprehensive strategy assessment for mixed-status households that need coordinated planning, documentation priorities, and clear family decision points.

Schedule a Strategy Consultation

What happens after you contact us: our team confirms scope, collects key records, and schedules a focused strategy session with clear preparation instructions.