DHS Suspends Approval of Applications with 'X' Gender Marker, Reversing Biden Administration Policy
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently suspended the approval of applications for identity documents that include an 'X' gender marker. This decision aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which mandates that federal identification documents, including passports and visas, must reflect the sex assigned at birth. The order explicitly states that the United States recognizes only two sexes, male and female, and that these sexes are not changeable. This policy change has significant implications for transgender and nonbinary individuals, as it forces them to carry identification that does not accurately reflect their gender identity.The suspension affects all applications from Americans seeking to update their passports with a new gender marker. The State Department has paused the processing of such applications and is currently reviewing its policies in line with the new executive order. This has led to confusion and anxiety within the LGBTQ+ community, as many individuals are unsure about the status of their existing applications and the future of their identity documents.The Biden administration had previously introduced the option to select 'X' as a gender marker on passports in 2022, aiming to promote inclusivity and reduce the risk of violence, harassment, and discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people. The recent policy reversal by the Trump administration has been criticized for signaling a move backward in trans rights and creating intentional confusion for those affected.