FOIA FILES KIT  
Federal Agency Request Letter

Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.  339 Lafayette Street, New
York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188


DATE:

TO: FOIA/PA Unit

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

	I request a complete and thorough search of all filing systems and
locations for all records maintained by your agency pertaining to and/or
captioned ______________________________________________________ [describe
records desired and/or insert full and
______________________________________________________ formal name]
______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

including, without limitation, files and documents captioned, or whose
captions include:

______________________________________________________ [insert changes in
name, commonly used names,
______________________________________________________ acronyms, sub-groups
and the like] ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

	I also request all "see references" to these names, a search of the ELSUR
Index or any similar technique for locating records of electronic
surveillance.

	This request is also a request for any corresponding files in INS
Headquarters or regional offices.

	Please place any "missing" files pertaining to this request on "special
locate" and advise that you have done this.

	If documents are denied in part or whole, please specify which
exemption(s) is(are) claimed for each passage or whole document denied. Please
provide a complete itemized inventory and detialed factual justification of
total or partial denial of documents. Specify the number of pates in each
document and th ttoal number of pages pertaining to this request. For
classified material denied, please include the following information: the
classification rating (confidential, secret, or top secret); identify the
classifier; date or event for automatic declassification, classification
review or downgrading; if applicable, identify the official authorizing
extension of automatic declassification or reviw; and, if applicable, give the
reason for extended classification.

	I request that excised material be "blacked out" rather than "whited out"
or cut out. I expect, as provided by the Freedom of Information Act, that the
remaining non-exempt portions of documents will be released.

	Please send a memo (copy to me) to the appropriate units in your office
or agency to assure that no records related to this request are destroyed.
Please advise of any destruction of records and include the date of and
authority for such destruction.

	As I expect to appeal any denials, please specify the office and address
to which an appeal should be directed.

	I believe my request qualifies for a waiver of fees since the release of
the requested information would primarily benefit the general public and be
"in the public interest."

	I can be reached at the phone listed below. Please call rather than write
if there are any questions or if you need additional information from me.

	I expect a response to this request within ten (10) working days, as
provided for in the Freedom of Information Act.

Sincerely,

name: _______________________________________________
address: ____________________________________________
.        ____________________________________________
telephone: (___)_____________________________________
signature: __________________________________________