US Immigration Introduces Third Gender Options in Citizenship Applications

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken an important step towards greater inclusivity by adding a third gender option of ‘X’ to its naturalization forms.

This change addresses a longstanding issue for individuals whose gender identity falls outside the traditional male/female categories. In an official statement, USCIS announces that the naturalization form N-400 has been updated to include ‘X’ as a gender option defined as “Another Gender Identity.” The agency’s Policy Manual has also been revised to accommodate this form change. Starting April 1, 2024, applicants for US citizenship through naturalization will be able to select ‘X’ as their gender when filling out form N-400. Those with pending applications on the old form can request a gender marker update on or after that date.

USCIS specifies that “Applicants can make a gender selection that does not necessarily match the gender on other immigration documents or identity documents like birth certificates or passports,”

This move brings USCIS in line with similar initiatives from federal and state agencies to provide gender ‘X’ options, such as the State Department offering it on passport applications. It reflects a growing recognition of gender diversity and aims to create a more accurate and inclusive process for non-binary, intersex, and other gender-non-conforming individuals. Previously, the male/female binary created obstacles for those whose identity did not fit neatly into one of those categories. USCIS faced administrative challenges when personal documents indicated a gender outside the binary.

By adding the ‘X’ marker, the agency has modernized its standards to better serve a diverse population. The inclusive policy change is celebrated as a positive step towards equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. Though limited initially to naturalization forms, USCIS has signalled intentions to integrate the third gender option across other immigration forms and documents going forward.

“This decision demonstrates USCIS’s commitment to documenting identities precisely while also respecting gender diversity,” says Harper Evanson, executive director of the National Gender Acceptance Coalition. “We hope other federal forms will quickly follow suit.”

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s recent acknowledgement of Transgender Day of Visibility has ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly among conservative figures and supporters of former President Donald Trump. The timing of his social media posts, which coincided with the Christian observance of Easter, drew sharp criticism from those who deemed his message disrespectful and insulting to the faith. In his posts, President Biden affirmed the worth and dignity of all transgender Americans.

However, this sentiment was met with swift backlash from Republican circles, with Trump’s former national press secretary Karoline Leavitt accusing Biden of attacking the Christian faith and fueling the ongoing narrative spun by Trump and his “Make America Great Again” supporters in anticipation of the 2024 elections. Despite these criticisms, President Biden has consistently demonstrated a commitment to upholding LGBTQ+ rights throughout his presidency, leaving no ambiguity about his stance on the matter. His recent message was a continuation of this stance, resonating with the core values of equality and inclusivity that have been hallmarks of his administration.