The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the Biden administration, has recently issued new guidance to Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents, directing them to adopt more inclusive language when interacting with the public. This directive, revealed by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, includes the use of preferred pronouns and gender-neutral terms for individuals who identify as LGBTQI+.
Outlined in a document titled “Guide to Facilitating Effective Communication with Individuals who Identify as LGBTQI+,” the guidelines emphasize the importance of using language that respects the gender identity and sexual orientation of individuals. Agents are advised to refrain from using gender-specific pronouns such as “he, him,” “she, her,” and titles like “Mr,” “Mrs,” “sir,” or “ma’am,” until more information is provided by or about the individual. The document clarifies that gender identity and sexual orientation are distinct concepts, and it acknowledges that terms and definitions are not universally agreed upon within the LGBTQI+ community.
This shift in language protocol occurs amidst an ongoing crisis at the southern U.S. border, with an estimated 1.7 million unauthorized immigrants having entered the country since President Biden took office.
Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, has criticized the new guidance. He argues that it diverts attention from the pressing need for resources to address illegal immigration and border security. Green asserts that this focus on language guidelines trivializes the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents amid the border crisis.
Furthermore, DHS’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties commissioned a report from the RAND Corporation, recommending additional language changes. The report proposed the inclusion of terms like “nonbinary,” “cisgender,” and “transgender,” alongside “male” and “female.” It also suggested replacing terms such as “illegal immigrant” and “unlawful entry” with “undocumented noncitizen” and “entry without inspection,” respectively. Terms like “jihadist,” “looter,” “rioter,” and “trespasser” were identified as potentially racially charged.
Rep. Green has condemned the RAND Corporation’s report, labeling it as deceptive and counterproductive. He criticizes DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for what he sees as a failure in leadership, alleging that these language changes are a tactic to obscure the repercussions of the administration’s border policies. Green also hinted at the possibility of Congress leveraging its funding power to prompt DHS to prioritize border enforcement.
As of the time of reporting, DHS has not responded to requests for comment on these developments.