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Using the Freedom of Information Act to Obtain Genealogy Records (USA)
Some commonly requested records for genealogy purposes using the Federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are Social Security SS-5 forms (the form filled out when applying for a Social Security Card); post-September, 1906 Naturalization Records from the INS (now called the USCIS); and World War Two-Era Alien Registration Records (also from the USCIS). Note that the Freedom of Information Act is a Federal Act and only applies to Federal agencies. It does not apply to local or state governmental agencies. You may find, however, that some local and state governments will have their own similar freedom of information or privacy acts. Reclaim the Records is an organization that pursues the release of genealogy-related records from some U.S. states using state freedom of information laws. See their website for information about their projects: Reclaim the Records Social Security Records
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