April 3, 2024
2 mins read

Row erupts over third gender option on US immigration form

This X gender option, not available on any other forms currently, represents a significant step towards inclusivity…reports Asian Lite News

The recent update to U.S. immigration applications by the Biden administration, introducing a third gender option on the form, has ignited controversy and sparked debates across various platforms.

Previously, the form only offered male and female options, but the updated application, now available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, includes “another gender identity” alongside male and female.

This X gender option, not available on any other forms currently, represents a significant step towards inclusivity and recognition of diverse gender identities in official documentation.

USCIS emphasized that this update aligns with its commitment to inclusivity and aims to reduce barriers to obtaining immigration benefits. The agency stated, “USCIS is introducing a third gender option, ‘X,’ defined as ‘Another Gender Identity.’ Today we published a new edition of Form N-400, the first form to include the X gender option. This option will become available on additional forms as we revise them.”

However, this move has not been without its detractors. Various conservative voices, including individuals and platforms, have criticized the update, framing it as a distraction from more pressing immigration issues. Some have taken to social media to express their discontent, with comments ranging from skepticism to outright opposition. Vivek Ramaswamy, for instance, expressed disbelief, stating, “The current priority of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services isn’t to fix the mass illegal immigration crisis. It’s to introduce ‘a third gender option’ on their forms.”

The controversy surrounding the gender update coincides with President Joe Biden’s social media posts celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility, which occurred on Easter this year. Biden’s message, affirming support for transgender Americans and their rights, drew sharp criticism from conservative quarters. Republicans and figures associated with the previous administration, such as former President Donald Trump’s national press secretary Karoline Leavitt, condemned Biden’s message as disrespectful and an assault on Christian values.

Despite the backlash, Biden has remained steadfast in his support for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his presidency. His administration’s pro-trans and pro-immigrant stance has become a focal point for political narratives, with Trump and his supporters using it as fodder for their own agendas leading up to the 2024 elections.

In conclusion, while the introduction of a third gender option on U.S. immigration forms represents a significant step towards inclusivity, it has also sparked contentious debates and drawn criticism from conservative quarters. The Biden administration’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform remains a central aspect of its policy agenda, setting the stage for ongoing political discourse and polarization.

ALSO READ: ‘US, UK could send N-waste to Australia under AUKUS’

Previous Story

Google to delete ‘incognito’ data records

Next Story

UAE Residents Predict Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Takeover in Coming Years

Latest from -Top News

UK MPs Slam Pakistan Over Minority Abuses

Minority communities such as Shias, Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis continue to face harassment, violence, and intimidation. In many cases, law enforcement either turns a blind eye or enables the attacks through inaction…reports

Words Won’t Stop China, Quad Must Deliver

 If the Quad aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence, it must expand its focus beyond the maritime domain and address the continental dynamics of the Indo-Pacific…writes Imran Khurshid Despite early concerns that

India Stays Neutral on Dalai Lama Succession

As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that there will be the 15th reincarnation…reports Asian Lite News Responding to the Dalai Lama’s recent remarks, India on

USAID cut could kill 14 million more deaths

Human rights advocates and global health experts have expressed alarm at the speed and scale of the cuts…reports Asian Lite News A new study published in The Lancet has warned that ongoing

Trump goes nuclear on Mamdani

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and son of Indian-Ugandan immigrants, secured a surprise victory over former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.;…reports Asian Lite News President Donald Trump has intensified his
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US calls for UNSC vote on backing Gaza ceasefire plan

Diplomatic sources said the vote is planned for Monday, but

US State Department downplays massive arms transfer to Israel

Miller emphasised that many of these weapons requests have been