“National Archives to transition out of three federal records centers.” This may impact future U.S. FOIA requests.

Image: Unsplash stock.

Federal News Network Article:
National Archives to transition out of three federal records centers

“The National Archives and Records Administration has circulated plans to move out of three of its records-holding facilities over the next few years — a decision the agency said will cut costs and reduce its real estate portfolio, although questions remain about how agency employees will be affected.

An internal agency email circulated on Tuesday to National Archives staff, obtained by Federal News Network, outlined the agency’s decision to shutter federal records centers in the Chicago and San Francisco/San Bruno regions and begin moving records out of its center in Seattle…”

“…Records relocations are expected to begin within the next few months, with the transition expected to be completed in the next couple of years, according to the email. Accessioned records in the Chicago and San Francisco locations, and temporary records at all three centers, will soon be moved to “other locations.” Archival and permanent holdings in Seattle will remain “until a suitable replacement facility is identified,” NARA’s email said.”

+

We believe these closures may impact future U.S. FOIA requests — for U.S. Korean Adoptees and those in general in the U.S. making FOIA requests.

This is because FOIA requests draw — at least in part — upon records stored at institutions such as the National Archives. If some National Archives records become unobtainable then some FOIA requests will be directly impacted.

Paperslip.org has been encouraging U.S. Korean Adoptees to file free FOIA requests for years. If you obtained your FOIA documents PRIOR to early 2025 when FOIA requests began to be heavily redacted, count yourself as amongst the lucky.

Please be sure to read our WARNINGS about making FOIA requests in the current times.

+

Next
Next

For those in the U.S.: Adoptee Rights Law has issued a DO NOT FLY Advisory for Domestic U.S. travel.