Court blocks disclosure of docs on immigrant terrorist screenings

By Daniel Wiessner, Reuters, Apr. 6, 2022

• Field manual, interview questions are related to law enforcement

• Court reversed judge who said docs could not be withheld

• Group sought documents after Trump ordered more vetting

A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday said federal agencies properly withheld documents related to how they vet applicants for immigration benefits with the aim of uncovering possible terrorist ties, reversing a judge who ordered their disclosure.

A 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel said portions of a U.S. Department of State field manual on reviewing visa applications, and model questions U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers can ask applicants, were created for law enforcement purposes and are shielded from disclosure under the federal Freedom of Information Act.

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