As of Monday, immigrants can now select a third gender option, or “X,” when applying for naturalization.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a news alert that revealed that it had revised Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, to provide “Another Gender Identity,” the first USCIS form to do so.
“Historically, USCIS forms and associated documents have only offered two gender options: ‘Male (M)’ and ‘Female (F).’ This has created significant barriers for requestors who do not identify with either of those options.
Limiting benefit requestors to two gender options also creates administrative challenges for USCIS when we receive birth certificates or other official government-issued documents with a gender other than M or F,” the statement read.
It continued, “Adding a third gender option helps ensure that secure identity documents and biographical data are accurate and helps both external stakeholders and individuals requesting immigration benefits.
It is also consistent with federal and state agencies that have adopted a third gender option, such as the U.S. Department of State’s expanded passport services to offer gender X in their application.”
According to the statement, Form N-400 is the only USCIS form that includes the third gender option currently, but the organization is working on “additional form revisions” to provide it elsewhere.
The applicant would not need to “provide supporting documentation” to choose the third option, and the gender that an applicant selects would not need to match the gender marked on other documents such as a birth certificate, passport or state I.D.
However, the USCIS warned that selecting the “X” option may require applicants to visit a Social Security office to update their citizenship status or obtain a Social Security card. The USCIS noted that the Social Security Administration is developing ways to accept the third gender option.
