Originally Posted by
anirudh666
I wanted to get some personal records from NSA and FBI, and they said on their website that I’d have to file a request under Privacy Act rather than FoIA due to my not having green card/citizenship.
It's just opposite. PA is limited to LPRs or citizens. FOIA is open. Most agencies just one have one standard form to allow such requests under both the act. Depending on the nature of request, they evaluate the suitability of release of information within the scope of both the act. Obviously, requestor and the subject information is sufficiently collected for determination of appropriate response.