confused1234567

Hello...I'm trying to get information regarding someone who was deported in 1997 due to felony charges. He was told that he could return in 10 years. I have his alien registration number and former social security number. He no longer has any of the paperwork from his case. How can we obtain that information? Is there anywhere we can online to request the information to determine if he needs to complete the I-212 form or if he can just reapply to enter the country. Please help...I can't find any information and I've contacted a lawyer, but I have not gotten a clear answer regarding what steps we need to take. Why is the immigration process so secretive?!!! Please HELP!!!