USCIS Removes 'X' Gender Option from Forms

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reversed a Biden-era policy by removing the 'X' gender option from immigration forms, now only recognizing male and female sexes. This policy change aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order titled 'Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.' The Department of Homeland Security stated that the USCIS will determine sex based on birth certificates or secondary evidence if necessary. This decision is portrayed as part of a broader initiative to return to 'simple biological reality' and address national security concerns. Critics argue that the removal of the 'X' option creates additional barriers for those who do not identify strictly as male or female. The updated policy will affect various documents such as green cards and certificates of naturalization, emphasizing the importance of consistent identity data across government agencies.