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USCIS · Request closures · Request IRW-061

Reopening requests closed under later-withdrawn guidance

This request asks whether USCIS considered reopening, or notifying, people whose records requests were closed under guidance that USCIS later revised or withdrew.

Why it matters
People whose requests were closed under rules later withdrawn may never learn they can try again.
ClosedAppeal 4 business days to closure (6 calendar days)

Figures as of Oct 17, 2026. Check after Nov 16, 2026: if you are reading later than that, these figures may be out of date.

These figures are more than 30 days old. They may not reflect what has happened since Oct 17, 2026.

Timeline

  1. FiledSep 8, 2026
  2. ClosedSep 14, 2026
  3. Appeal filedSep 17, 2026 · Appeal IRW-061-AP · Pending decision

The closure and the appeal

Appeal IRW-061-AP · filed Sep 17, 2026 · Pending decision

Why USCIS closed the request

USCIS closed the request, claiming it did not follow its request rules (6 C.F.R. 5.3). The letter said the "subject of record's" date of birth and country of birth were not provided, and that the signature was "unacceptable" for one of four listed reasons, without saying which one.

What the rules say

USCIS's identity rules apply to requests for records about a person: the requester (6 C.F.R. 5.3(a)(3)) or someone else (6 C.F.R. 5.3(a)(4)). The identity details and signature the letter asked for come from the rule for people seeking their own records (6 C.F.R. 5.21(e)). This request asked for agency records about how USCIS works, not records about a person, so those rules do not apply to it.

Why it was appealed

The appeal asks USCIS to name the specific problem, say whether it reviewed the original request and its attachments, and reopen the request without a new filing, keeping the original receipt date. It also supplied the identity details the letter listed, while not agreeing that they were required for this request.

The closure and appeal sections summarize the letter and the appeal as filed. "What the rules say" is this site's explanation.

File this request too

Template T-62
Records concerning whether USCIS considered, adopted, or declined to adopt any process to reopen, re-adjudicate, or notify requesters whose FOIA requests were closed between September 16, 2025 and the date of your search under guidance that USCIS has since revised or rescinded, including any legal review of the agency's obligations to those requesters, any cost or volume estimate, and any decision record.
How to file it