Chris,
The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Infrmation Act (FOI) are very specific as to what information or documents may be released and to whom.
Some information is considered public information, such as an address, which can be given to requesting it. Whereas, SSN is not and can only be given upon permission of the owner or to a law enforcement identity with a need to know.
However, any Joe Blow, such as a private citizen, Attorney, and etc. can request any FOI information if they do so through the Department of Justice. That can be a lengthy process and then the DOJ will decide if the requesting person is entitled to it.
Perhaps, this will help:
www.usdoj.gov/04foia/privstat.htm www.usdoj.gov/04foia/04_7_1.html