New Gender Option 'X' Introduced to U.S. Citizenship Form
Significant changes hit the U.S. immigration system on Monday when a third 'X' gender setting was introduced for immigrants applying for naturalization. This new stance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) comes after the revision of Form N-400, an application form for naturalization, to include an 'Another Gender Identity' feature.
Why the Change?
The rationale behind this amendment revolves around the historical limitation of USCIS forms and documents associated with two gender identifiers: Male (M) and Female (F). This modus operandi has sporadically bred substantial obstacles for requestors who do not resonate with either choice. Further complexity arises for USCIS when receiving birth certificates or official government-issued documents with a gender other than M or F.
To offset these impediments, adding a third gender selection ensures the accuracy of secure identity documents and biographical data. This move aids both external stakeholders and individuals seeking immigration benefits.
The new option aligns USCIS with federal and state agencies already embracing a third gender option, namely the U.S. Department of State's expanded passport services, which now offer 'gender X' in their applications.
Moving with the Times? The Details Behind the Change
The impact of this change is currently exclusive to Form N-400, but USCIS has announced they're developing "additional form revisions" to extend it elsewhere. Obligations related to supporting documentation for the third option selection have been simplified, as applicants need not furnish any. Furthermore, an applicant's selected gender doesn't need to synchronize with the gender identified on other documents such as birth certificates, passports, or state I.D.s.
However, a degree of caution is recommended. Choosing the 'X' option necessitates visiting a Social Security office to revise citizenship status or acquire a Social Security card. USCIS clarified that the Social Security Administration is crafting methods to acknowledge the third-gender option.
The new edition of Form N-400, unveiled on April 1, 2024, includes a third gender option, 'X', bringing to the fore this significant stride in the USCIS application process.
USCIS initially announced an amendment to its guidelines to accept "the self-identified gender marker for individuals requesting immigration benefits," a policy that formerly didn't cover naturalization forms. With this transformation, the gender marker individuals select is not required to match those on supporting documents.
Broader Impact and Future Aspirations
The launch of the 'X' gender option comes from a broader drive by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in April 2021 to broaden options on these forms. Feedback from a Request for Public Input campaign indicated that existent evidence requirements associated with gender markers established barriers for individuals pursuing immigration benefits.
Launching the gender 'X' option on Form N-400 for citizenship application marks a substantial change in U.S. immigration policy, aiming for inclusivity beyond conventional Male and Female gender identifiers. This is indeed a bold stride, considering the federal and state agencies' conformity that have already embraced a third-gender option.
