DHS/USCIS/PIA-075 RAILS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), operates the USCIS RAILS1 Application System, which modernized and replaced the National File Tracking System (NFTS). RAILS is an automated file system that tracks internal immigrant files and receipt files, and allows for certain DHS users to request immigration files. RAILS enables USCIS to (1) electronically maintain an accurate file inventory, (2) track the location of paper and electronic immigration files via a web-based system and/or mobile application, and (3) allow users to order, transfer, and receive official paper and electronic immigration records related to the Alien Number (A-Number). USCIS is conducting this Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to analyze the privacy impacts associated with RAILS because RAILS collects, uses, and shares personally identifiable information (PII). The attached appendices discuss system interconnections. USCIS will update the appendices of the PIA when new USCIS, DHS, or external interconnected systems are added.

Associated SORN(s):

• DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records