Last verified: September 30, 2026. Official procedures can change; use the linked agency pages when you file.

Our response was a partial denial—not a failed request.

USCIS located 66 responsive pages. It released some pages completely, some with redactions, and withheld some pages entirely. The response letter explained the exemptions and the right to appeal.

Released in full

These pages were provided without FOIA redactions by USCIS. Our letter counted 29 pages in this category.

Released in part

These pages were provided, but USCIS withheld portions of the page. Our letter counted 26 pages released in part.

Withheld in full

USCIS said 11 responsive pages were withheld completely because it determined there was no reasonably segregable non-exempt portion to release.

Redacted USCIS partial denial letter excerpt with full, partial and withheld page counts

The release breakdown from our final letter.

The exemptions USCIS cited in our case

Our letter cited FOIA exemptions (b)(6), (b)(7)(C) and (b)(7)(E). In the letter, USCIS described (b)(6) and (b)(7)(C) as protecting certain personal/privacy information, while (b)(7)(E) protects specified law-enforcement techniques, procedures or guidelines when disclosure could risk circumvention of law.

Do not assume every black mark was made by FOIA. Our USCIS letter specifically noted that certain marks appearing blacked out had been made before USCIS received the file and were not FOIA/PA withholdings. Old files can arrive with historical redactions or markings already on them.

Appeal language is normal

The response letter gave us 90 days to file an administrative appeal. Whether an appeal is worthwhile depends on what was withheld and what you actually need; the existence of appeal instructions does not itself mean USCIS made an error.

What we kept

We kept the final response letter with the downloaded records and brought the printed release to our German citizenship appointment. That preserved the chain between the agency’s search and the records we were relying on.

Related guides

Firsthand case

Our A-File request

See the request, closure, correction, online delivery and final response together.

Read guide →A-File contents

What can be inside an A-File?

Understand the kinds of records the response may contain.

Read guide →Deceased relative

Request records for a deceased relative

Build the request correctly before you reach the response stage.

Read guide →

Official / primary sources

We separate current source-based guidance from our own family’s experience. Agency custody, forms, fees and procedures can change.