National Newspaper Association

Protecting, Promoting and Enhancing Community Newspapers Since 1885

RCFP tipsheet helps journalists access immigration, deportation records

Feb 10, 2025

The American immigration system is made up of a complex web of federal, state, and private entities. When requesting records from agencies, journalists must have an understanding of immigration enforcement and the different bodies that control this information to ensure they send the requests to the right source.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has published a new tipsheet (in English and Spanish) to help journalists access public records while reporting on immigration and deportation. It is available here: https://www.rcfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RCFP-Tipsheet-on-Immigration-System-Records-Access.pdf

Comments:

Public notice reporting tips

Learning from the master: How Jim Lockwood weaves award-winning journalism out of public notices

Scrutinize letters during election season

Campaigns are in full swing as Election Day nears. Editors should pay extra attention to letters that give a thumbs up or thumbs down to candidates and other ballot initiatives.