US launches ‘third gender’ option for immigrants on citizenship forms

US President Joe Biden’s administration has introduced a “third gender” option on citizenship forms to more accurately collect data on immigrants, some of whom do not identify as male or female. Until now, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms and related documents only offered male and female options, which “created significant barriers” for people who did not identify with either gender.

“We have modified Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) to provide a third gender option ‘X,’ defined as ‘another gender identity,'” USCIS said in an official statement released on Monday. “

“We are also updating the guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual accordingly to take into account this form revision and other upcoming form revisions that will add a third gender option,” it added.

Applicants who fill out Form N-400 on or after April 1, 2024 “will immediately have X as their gender option,” according to the authority.

It says other forms will eventually add the option.

“Adding a third gender option helps ensure the accuracy of secure identification documents and personal data and assists external stakeholders and individuals requesting immigration benefits,” USCIS said.

“This is also consistent with federal and state agencies adopting third gender options, such as the U.S. Department of State’s expansion of passport services to provide gender X on applications,” the statement added.

Since there were previously only male and female options, this created a huge barrier for those who didn’t identify with either gender.

Restricting gender selection also creates “administrative challenges” for USCIS when it receives a birth certificate or other official government-issued document indicating a gender other than male or female.

In March 2023, USCIS updated its policy to allow applicants to self-select their gender without providing supporting documentation.

The move is part of the agency’s efforts to provide more accessible immigration services.