U.S. Immigration Drops Biden’s Gender Options, Recognizes Only Two

The Department of Homeland Security has reversed a Biden-era policy, limiting U.S. immigration forms to recognize only male and female genders, ending the inclusion of “another gender” options.

This shift follows an executive order from President Trump early in his current term. It reflects a broader push to roll back progressive policies on gender identity in federal systems.

Under Biden, forms had allowed applicants to select a third, nonbinary category. The change, effective immediately, scraps that option, aligning with traditional binary classifications.

DHS officials say the move simplifies processing and reflects biological reality. Critics argue it dismisses the lived experiences of nonbinary and transgender individuals seeking entry.

The policy applies to all immigration paperwork, including visa and asylum applications. Illegal immigrants apprehended at the border will also be documented under the two-gender framework.

Trump campaigned on reversing what he called “woke” overreaches in government. This decision delivers on that promise, appealing to his conservative base.

Advocacy groups have vowed to challenge the change in court. They claim it violates equal protection principles and could deter vulnerable migrants from applying.

Supporters cheer the return to what they see as common-sense standards. They argue the prior policy confused officials and undermined data consistency.

The shift comes amid broader debates over gender in public policy, like sports and schools. It’s a win for those who say federal rules should stick to clear, binary norms.

Immigration processing times reportedly won’t be affected by the update. DHS has already retrained staff to implement the streamlined forms nationwide.

Legal battles loom, but for now, the U.S. joins nations enforcing strict gender categories. The move marks a sharp pivot from Biden’s inclusive approach.

Trump’s team frames this as part of a larger effort to restore order at the border. It’s one of many changes signaling a hardline stance on immigration rules.