The US government, under the leadership of President Joe Biden, has implemented a significant change in citizenship forms, introducing a “third gender” option. This decision aims to enhance the accuracy of data collection for immigrants who do not identify strictly as male or female. Until now, forms from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have only provided binary gender options, a practice criticized for creating obstacles for individuals whose gender identity falls outside this binary classification.
In an official announcement issued by the USCIS on Monday, the agency stated, “We have revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to provide a third gender option, ‘X’, defined as ‘Another Gender Identity’.” Additionally, the USCIS noted that updates to the USCIS Policy Manual will reflect this form revision and forthcoming changes that will incorporate a third gender option.
Effective April 1, 2024, applicants completing Form N-400 will have the option to select ‘X’ as their gender identity. The USCIS plans to extend this option to other forms in due course.
The agency emphasized that the inclusion of a third gender option is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of secure identity documents and biographical data. This change aligns with the practices of federal and state agencies that have already adopted a third gender option, such as the US Department of State, which offers gender ‘X’ in passport applications.
Previously, the absence of non-binary gender options presented significant challenges for individuals whose gender identity did not align with the male or female categories. It also posed administrative hurdles for USCIS when processing official documents that indicated a gender other than male or female.
In March 2023, USCIS initiated a policy update allowing applicants to self-identify their gender without requiring supporting documentation. This adjustment aimed to streamline access to immigration services and is part of the agency’s broader efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity.