The US permits immigrants to choose their gender

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will no longer require any papers to match people’s self-identified gender. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has marked Transgender Day of Visibility by announcing that it will begin accepting “self-identified gender markers” from foreign individuals who seek legal immigration services without requesting supporting documents. The policy change, effective immediately, states that benefit requestors may self-select their gender marker without the need to provide supporting documentation or to match the gender listed on their identity documents. President Joe Biden officially proclaimed March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in 2021, as part of his wider push for equity and inclusivity. The Citizenship and Immigration Services argued that the requirement to submit proof of gender identity had created extra barriers and delays to travel and employment, and abolishing it will help prevent discrimination and harassment due to inconsistent identity documents.