About Us
Immigration Paralegal Services
FOIA Concierge™ - Access Your Immigration Records
"Know thy opponent and know yourself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated." - Sun Tzu
Your first step toward immigration relief begins with knowing what the government knows about you. Safe, affordable access to your records through our professional paralegal service.
Why Your Immigration Records Matter
Know Your Case Facts
In any legal battle, knowing your opponent is key. Accessing your immigration records through FOIA is crucial to understand what governmental agencies know about you, enabling you to file an effective petition or case.
Save Thousands
While attorneys charge thousands of dollars for this essential service, CalStar Legal offers a safe, affordable, and professional solution. Even if you plan to hire an attorney later, securing your case facts now is vital.
Avoid Filing Blind
Many immigrants are unaware of what their official record looks like in the eyes of the U.S. government. Don't be caught off guard by old records, missing fingerprints, or deportation orders you didn't know existed.
What Is a FOIA Request?
Filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request allows you to access everything the government has on file about you—including past applications, border entries, notices of removal, interviews, arrest records, deportation orders, and more.
This right is authorized under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, which provides the public with a right to request access to records from any federal agency.
Whether you're applying for a green card, naturalization, DACA, asylum, or any form of immigration relief, your case history matters—and it may already be in the government's files.
You don't need to be afraid. You don't need to be alone. And you don't need to pay thousands in attorney fees just to get started. We can help you get started today!
When FOIA Records Are Critical
1
Entered Without Inspection
To confirm if and how the government documented your entry.
2
Prior Contact with Immigration
To review any arrest, detention, voluntary return, or removal records from ICE, CBP, or Border Patrol.
3
Been Fingerprinted in the U.S.
To check for criminal or immigration-related hits on your record for any reason.
4
Missed Immigration Court Hearing
To see if a deportation order was issued in your absence (EOIR).
More Critical Situations for FOIA Records
1
Previously Filed Immigration Applications
To track what was submitted, approved, denied, or left incomplete with USCIS or DOS.
2
Used Multiple Names or Aliases
To determine what names, spellings, or birthdates are linked to your A-number.
3
Had Encounters at the Border
To review entries, exits, secondary inspections, or expedited removals with CBP.
4
Visa Refused at U.S. Consulate
To understand the refusal grounds or consular notes on your record from DOS.
Additional Situations Where FOIA Helps
  • You have a criminal history that may affect your immigration status
  • You were previously removed, deported, or voluntarily departed
  • You're unsure of your A-number or past filings
  • You applied for asylum, SIJS, TPS, or VAWA in the past
  • You want to apply for naturalization (N-400)
  • You are a derivative or family member on someone else's case
  • You believe an attorney or notario mishandled your case
  • You are seeking post-conviction relief
  • You are in removal proceedings or want to reopen a case
  • You received a Notice to Appear (NTA) or fear one was issued
FOIA Agencies We Request From
Additional Agencies We Work With
We handle the entire process for you, ensuring your requests are properly filed with each relevant agency.
Our Service Options
1
Full Case Management Plan
$500 - Our most popular and comprehensive option
  • 12 months of case management with a certified immigration paralegal
  • 1-hour consultation to review your background and discuss strategy
  • USCIS FOIA request included at no additional cost
  • Translation of all FOIA results (if needed)
  • Summary & explanation of what each page means
2
FOIA-Only Service
$250 for first FOIA request
  • We file the FOIA request for you
  • We insulate you from direct contact with the agency
  • We send your FOIA by mail or email, per your preference
  • Includes translation and summary (if applicable)
  • Additional agencies: +$100 each
Full Case Management Plan Details
For $500, our comprehensive case management plan includes:
  • 12 months of case management with a certified immigration paralegal
  • 1-hour consultation to review your background and discuss strategy
  • USCIS FOIA request at no additional cost
  • Translation of all FOIA results from English to Spanish (if needed)
  • Summary & explanation of what each page means
  • Help identifying Exhibits A, B, C and organizing evidence
  • Guidance on how to self-file forms, prepare for interviews, or respond to government letters
  • Access to bilingual support by phone, email, or in person
Add-On Services
Additional FOIA Requests
Need to request from more than one agency?
Just $100 per additional agency with your case plan.
This can include ICE, EOIR, CBP, FBI, OBIM, DOS, SSA, etc.
Rush Option Available
+$100 to expedite your request
  • We draft a support letter justifying urgency
  • We advise the agency your request is being handled by a legal document service
  • While not guaranteed, requests from professionals are often prioritized
FOIA-Only Service Details
For those who simply want to get their records but don't need help preparing any forms yet, our FOIA-Only Service is perfect.
Starting at just $250 for your first FOIA request, we handle the entire process:
  • We file the FOIA request for you
  • We insulate you from direct contact with the agency
  • We send your FOIA by mail or email, depending on your preference
  • Includes translation and summary (if applicable)
Add more agencies for just $100 each. This can include ICE, EOIR, CBP, FBI, OBIM, DOS, SSA, and more.
Note: No legal advice, consultation, or filing support is included with this plan.
Don't Risk Filing Blind

Many immigrants file documents or attend interviews without knowing what the government has on file—and are caught off guard by old records, missing fingerprints, or deportation orders they didn't know existed.
Don't let that happen to you. Start smart with a FOIA file and avoid costly mistakes.
Understanding your record helps avoid mistakes and gives you the best chance of success in any future application.
Bottom Line: Why FOIA Matters
If you are uncertain about what the U.S. government has on file, or you've had any past interaction with immigration authorities, ordering your FOIA is a safe, non-invasive first step toward understanding your legal situation.
Protection
Know what you're up against before filing any immigration application.
Savings
Save thousands compared to attorney fees for the same service.
Preparation
Build a stronger case with complete knowledge of your records.
Who We Are
CalStar Legal is a bilingual immigration paralegal and legal document assistance firm based in San Diego, California. We work with self-represented individuals and assist them with professional, affordable support to prepare immigration paperwork, respond to notices, and make informed decisions.
Our lead paralegal, Chris, has worked since 2023 with multiple immigration attorneys and law offices and has strong connections with trusted lawyers across the state if further legal help is needed.
The FOIA Process Made Simple
Complete Intake
Fill out our simple intake form with your basic information and which agencies you need records from.
We File Requests
Our paralegals prepare and submit all necessary FOIA requests to the appropriate agencies.
Receive Records
We collect, organize, and translate your records, then provide a complete summary of what they mean.
Next Steps
With full case management, we help you understand your options and prepare for your immigration journey.
Client Success Stories
Maria's Naturalization
Maria had been in the U.S. for 15 years but was unsure if a brief detention at the border would affect her citizenship application. Our FOIA request revealed it was a simple voluntary return with no formal removal order, clearing her path to naturalization.
Carlos's DACA Renewal
Carlos couldn't remember his exact entry date for his DACA renewal. Our FOIA request uncovered his complete entry history, allowing him to file with confidence and maintain his work authorization.
The Rodriguez Family
The family discovered through our FOIA service that they had been victims of notario fraud—their previous "representative" had filed incorrect forms. With this knowledge, they were able to correct their record and proceed with their green card application.
Names and details changed to protect client privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to request my FOIA records?
Yes. Filing a FOIA request is a legal right and does not trigger enforcement actions. The government already has your information—you're simply requesting to see what they have.
How long does it take to get FOIA records?
Timeframes vary by agency, typically ranging from 1-6 months. Our rush service can sometimes expedite this process, though it's not guaranteed.
Why not just hire an attorney?
Attorneys typically charge $2,000-$5,000 just to start a case, often including FOIA as part of that fee. Our service allows you to get your records first, then decide if and when you need an attorney.
Ready to Begin?
We make it simple to get started with your FOIA requests. Fill out our intake form, and we'll begin the process right away.
Questions? Call us anytime at our office for a free consultation about your FOIA needs.
Legal Disclaimer

CalStar Legal is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. We are immigration paralegals and document preparers. All services are performed at the direction of the client. For legal advice, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.
FOIA Concierge™ is a service of CalStar Legal, based in San Diego, California. We serve clients nationwide through our secure online platform.
Visit our main website: www.calstarlegal.com