DHS accepting reported gender identity for immigration benefits apps

Official White House Photo

News from the Hill: “The Biden administration will now allow immigrants seeking benefits to mark their gender identity without needing their documentation to match, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).”

In a news release, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday said that the update was meant to “clarify” that immigrants generally do not need to submit proof of their gender identity when requesting to change their gender marker, except for those submitting a Form N-565 for a replacement naturalization certificate or citizenship document. 

The policy clarification came on Marcxh 31, Transgender Day of Visibility. President Biden criticized extremists for pushing bills in many states that limit transgender rights.

According to the Hill, “[a]bout a dozen states have enacted laws that ban gender-affirming care for minors, and the American Civil Liberties Union reports that 430 bills have been introduced in state legislatures during this legislative session that target LGBTQ individuals. “

KJ