New US President Donald Trump, upon assuming the office, has immediately rescinded numerous executive orders enacted by his predecessor, Joe Biden, which include at least a dozen initiatives aimed at promoting racial equity and LGBTQ rights. Furthermore, he has formally declared that the US government will recognize only two genders, male and female, asserting that these classifications are immutable.
The Trump administration explained its modifications to diversity and inclusion (DEI) policies as a means to eliminate bias within government programs. An order issued by Trump, which stipulates the recognition of only two genders, is intended to ensure “equal treatment” and calls for “a plan to dismantle the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bureaucracy,” as stated by a Trump aide. Additional measures regarding DEI that will affect private enterprises are reportedly forthcoming.
Inadvertently, the latest policy changes have affected American travelers in need of US passport.
In light of the latest developments, the US Department of State has reportedly halted the processing of passport applications that choose ‘X’ as a gender identifier, as reported by a department spokesperson and internal communications. This policy shift reverses a 2022 initiative that permitted applicants to select ‘X’ as a gender marker to support non-binary, intersex, and gender-nonconforming individuals.
According to the State Department spokesperson, the issuance of US passports by the Department “will reflect the individual’s biological sex as outlined in the Executive Order.”
The official further added that applications for passports featuring the ‘X’ marker have been halted, and the State Department will cease to issue such documents.
People who contacted the State Department’s National Passport Information Center with inquiries about the policy were advised to await new guidance before submitting their applications, with additional information expected to be released “in the coming days.”
Regarding individuals who have already obtained passports with the ‘X’ marker, the spokesperson indicated that further guidance is “forthcoming,” but according to some media reports, referencing internal communications, US passports bearing the ‘X’ identifier will remain valid under the new policy.
Various American civil rights groups have indicated their intention to contest Trump’s new policies through legal action and public advocacy.
