(ConservativeJournal.org) – Immigrants to the US now have the option to select a third gender called “X” when applying for naturalization, as announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The decision has drawn some controversy, mostly from the GOP.
The USCIS recently revealed that it updated Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, to include “Another Gender Identity”. This makes N-400 the first USCIS form to offer such an option. Until this point, extra gender options were featured on official papers for US citizens only.
Previously, USCIS forms only provided two gender options, which posed a challenge for people who did not identify with either. This change aims to ensure accuracy in identity documents and align with federal and state agencies that have already adopted a third gender option.
Applicants selecting the “X” gender option are not required to provide supporting documentation. Their selection also does not need to match other official documents that they already have. However, choosing the “X” option may require visiting a Social Security office for updates.
While Form N-400 is currently the only USCIS form offering the third gender option, the organization is working to slowly update all of their other forms to properly reflect the diversity of people applying. The USCIS emphasized the importance of reviewing each form’s options and following instructions accordingly.
The change followed criticism and input from the public. Applicants complained that they faced barriers in requesting immigration benefits due to the requirements for evidence associated with gender marker changes. The US Department of Homeland Security sought feedback to address these challenges, which led to the recent policy revisions by USCIS.
Previously, USCIS policies did not accommodate self-identified gender choices on application forms for naturalization. This update also eliminates the requirement for proof of gender identity, except for specific cases according to Form N-565, the Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.
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