A-File is an acronym for Alien File. An Alien File is a personal file the United States administration keeps on international-born, non-citizen settlers. Every file is recognized by an Alien Enrollment Number or A-Number that is special to every person. This article will clarify what an A-File is and how you can obtain a copy of yours if you require one. This can assist you in steering through the United States immigration system.
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Meaning of A-File
The Department of Homeland Security maintains an A-File of every International-born immigrant who arrives in the United States, which includes legal permanent residents, International students, and individuals coming into the country for holidays. This file comprises all the official documents that connect to the individual’s immigration records, which include:
- Any requests or pleas they have presented
- Every document linked to those requests or applications includes copies of a person’s birth credentials and passport.
- Any material produced by the Department of Homeland Security, which includes internal memos or examinations into that individual’s records.
Department of Homeland Security begins an A-File when an individual crosses their radar. This could be when an immigrant files a request or plea for a long-term or permanent gain, such as naturalization. The agency might begin an A-File when it starts an implementation or eviction effort against an individual. An Alien Enrollment Number or an A-Number is a recognition code that USCIS provides to many immigrants who make applications to settle in the US. This code is on the documents in your Alien File.
How Long It Takes to Obtain an A-File
There is so much beneficial information in an A-File. It consists of many immigration-linked documents which have to do with administrative memos concerning your immigration applications. If the authority refuses an immigration benefit or application, which includes a green card application, you will be required to view what is in the file. It can assist you in knowing if there were any things that could have been improved in your application. You can notice what occurred to enable you to repair these mistakes if you intend to make another application. Also, you can detect if any weak points in your application require extra proof.
Immigration lawyers assisting with your application will intend to view your A-File. This will permit them to go through your application records, immigration records, and any errors that occurred along the line. It may take a few days to a few years for the authority to process the file application to enable you to acquire your A-File. If you require any document from this file, present your application for your A-File from the applicable authority agency immediately you can.
How to Get a Copy of Your A-File
Under FOIA ( Freedom of Information Act), you can apply for documents from the national administration, which includes documents not usually obtainable to the public. Generally, the administrative agency you demand information from is required to discharge this information to you. Hence, there are specific exclusions to what the agency will provide you. For instance, the authority will not release case files that connect to federal security.
You are required to observe some steps to demand a copy of your A-File. First, you must present a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)application to the appropriate immigration agency. Your application should be clarified on the reasons you seek this information. You are also required to use the proper form for immigration-related applications. Remember that you may not be required to make a Freedom of Information Act application to obtain some information. Using an instance, you can review your United States Citizenship and Immigration Service case status online; therefore, you will not be required to wait for the authority to process the document application. Also, it is good to review the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Electronics Reading Room for history before you make a Freedom of Information Act application. However, if you are required to make a Freedom of Information Act application, observe the stages below:
Specify which Immigration agency possesses the information you require
The Freedom of Information Act application is a lot of times, the most appropriate method to obtain the information you require concerning specific immigration information. For instance, if you are required to review the date you arrived in the nation or if you intend to see what the agency wrote concerning your immigration request, you can use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain documents from your A-File.
To apply for an A-File, begin by finding out which immigration agency you are required to visit. This will be based on what kind of information you need. USCIS will have a lot of documents in an A-File; these have to do with requests you have presented previously. Hence, other agencies will also possess information connected to your immigration status.
- CBP (Customs and Border Protection) will maintain a trail whenever you arrive or exit the nation.
- United States ICE ( Immigration and Customs Enforcement ) will possess information concerning implementation efforts against you, such as if accusations were ever filed against you.
- The FBI will possess information concerning national criminal setting reviews or offensive convictions in your setting.
You might experience some roadblocks when assembling the information in your A-File. For instance, older documents from INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) before 1982 may not be obtainable via the Freedom of Information Act. If you are operating with a lawyer, they may request you to demand everything you can to obtain a better notion of the complete picture of your situation. Or the application may be filed on your behalf. Going through your complete A-File can assist them in determining the best method to move forward with your immigration case.
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Declare Your Motive for the Application
When you make a Freedom Of Information Act application, you will be required to illustrate the reasons you desire this information. Using an instance, you may be required to indicate your history of legal entry into the United States, or you may want to understand the reason your green card application was rejected.
Usually, administrative agencies process applications in the order they are obtained. Hence, some applications are more urgent than others. The Department of Justice motivates agencies to process Freedom of Information Act applications more quickly when an individual’s private safety or, as a result, process liberties are on the line. An individual who is making an application for asylum or going through a deportation hearing dwells in this class. Suppose you clarify the urgency of your application, which concerns the fact that you have another hearing or deadline soon. In that case, the agency can expedite your Freedom of Information Act application.
This information can be attached to the cover letter with your application. Ensure you connect your phone number and email address to enable the agent reviewing your details to reach out to you if they have any queries. Again, when you carry out your application, you must be particular concerning the records you desire. Specific applications that restrict what document they demand make it simpler, faster, and more accessible for an agency to process. Any information you can attach, which includes your A-number or the dates of the documents, will also make your application more simple to process.
How to Make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Application for your A-File
When you have recognized what information you require, the reasons you desire this information, and the agency that has it, you are fully prepared to make your FOIA application. Generally, your Freedom Of Information Act application is required to be as particular as you can and provide the agency with as many details as you can. For instance, if you seek a specific document indicating that you arrived in the nation, you can notify CBP when and where you arrived in the United States. This will assist them in cutting down the search for documents to get your information.
If you are making an application for records concerning yourself, provide:
- The agency with your complete name and date of birth.
- Any handles you go by.
- Your contact details.
The officer reviewing your application might have queries concerning the required documents; therefore, they might forward you an email or call you. You must inform the agency if you desire the documents sent to you via email or if they should be mailed to you, which the expense will be for printing and shipping.
Department of Homeland Security is the founder agency for so many agencies that operate with immigration law, which has to do with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For most of its agencies, you can forward a FOIA application directly to the Department of Homeland Security. Hence, for CBP, USCIS, and ICE, you must go now to those agencies. Below is some agency-particular information you should understand concerning making your FOIA application.
Presenting a Freedom of Information Act Application to USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Service possesses many documents in your A-File. You are required to begin by reviewing its electronic reading room. A lot of its files are obtainable to the public in this space. The information you need might already be dispatched there. If this happens, you must not file a Freedom of Information Act application.
If your information is not in the electronic reading room, you can file for FOIA application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service online. Also, you can check the status of your application online in the USCIS Freedom of Information Act tracking system. If you do not intend to go online, you can forward Form G-639 to the following:
National Records Center(NRC),
FOIA/PA Office,
PO Box 648010,
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010.
Presenting a FOIA Application to ICE
Immigration and Customs Enforcement possess files connected to law enforcement examinations. This agency does not have a particular setup to use for FOIA applications. Instead, mail them a letter indicating who you are, what documents you require, and why you desire them. You will also be required to attach a claim to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement approval to access and forward your records.
If you demand documents connecting to the deportation hearing, you can forward an application to ICE by email to [email protected] or by USPS or FedEx to:
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Freedom Of Information Act Office,
500 12th Street SW, Stop 5009,
Washington, DC 20536-5009,
Presenting a FOIA Application to CBP
Customs and Border Protection possess information concerning landing and leaving the United States, which is not handled by USCIS, which includes I-94 documents. You can make your Freedom Of Information Act application online for the fastest reply.
