Justice Department Updates Immigration Records Form
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Justice wants to update and keep using a form (EOIR-59) that helps people request records about immigration cases. This form is optional and makes it easier to get info under privacy laws. They’re asking for public feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and not too much work for folks to fill out.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EOIR-59 stays optional for record releases
You can voluntarily use Form EOIR-59 to authorize release of your EOIR case records or Records of Proceeding (documents and, if applicable, audio recordings) to an attorney, accredited representative, qualified organization, or another third party. EOIR says the form standardizes and streamlines these requests and will be submitted for OMB review with public comments due by August 31, 2026.
Parent/guardian name field added
EOIR is making one substantive change to Part C of Form EOIR-59 by adding a field to collect the printed name of the parent or guardian. EOIR says the printed name will help staff verify the parent or guardian's identity when the signature in Part D is not legible.
Time and possible cost to complete EOIR-59
EOIR estimates 87,080 people will complete the form each year, with an average completion time of 10 minutes per response (0.17 hours) and a total annual burden of 14,804 hours. EOIR estimates total annual public costs range from $0 up to $1,264,298.88; of 87,080 responses, 8,537 are estimated mailed (printing $0.10 per page, postage $0.78 each) and attorney assistance would cost about $84.84/hour (about $14.42 labor per response at 0.17 hours).
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