I asked GPT-4 to explain why making a FOIA request is important before fighting an immigration denial in federal court. I think the answer it gave  is largely correct and helpful (you can read it below). However, it left out an important reason for using FOIA as part of your strategy — information and documents (“discovery”) can be difficult to obtain in APA litigation so FOIA may be your best tool to collect the evidence needed to bolster your lawsuit.

Here is the answer GPT-4 gave me:

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the United States is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.

When you’re facing an immigration denial and you’re considering litigation in federal court, a FOIA request can be crucial for the following reasons:

Access to Vital Information: Through a FOIA request, you may gain access to records or documents that can be essential in building your case. These could include application forms, correspondence, notes by immigration officers, and even internal manuals or guidelines used by the immigration agency.

Understanding the Denial: It’s critical to understand why your immigration application was denied in order to mount a strong appeal or lawsuit. A FOIA request can help reveal the reasoning behind the decision, including any facts or laws the decision was based upon.

Ensuring Fair Treatment: The FOIA can help ensure that the immigration agency followed all proper procedures and didn’t violate any of your rights. For example, you might discover that some critical piece of information was overlooked or misinterpreted, or that the decision was based on a misapplication of the law.

Preparation for Litigation: FOIA can be used as a fact-finding tool to prepare for litigation. It helps in gathering necessary evidence, anticipating the government’s arguments, and formulating your legal strategy.