The U.S. Department of Homeland Security celebrated International Trans Day of Visibility by announcing new measures to serve Americans of all gender identities.
According to a March 31 press release, the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are both trying to improve screening procedures in order to ensure they are conducted in a manner that respects the dignity of each individual.
“DHS is committed to protecting the traveling public while ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with respect,” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. “The new measures announced today are part of a whole-of-government effort to promote equity and inclusion in all our programs and processes. We are proud to work with our interagency partners on this effort and look forward to rapidly implementing these changes to better serve the American public.”
The agencies are doing this through technology updates, process changes and expanded partnerships.
New measures include implementing enhanced screening technology; adopting more efficient, less invasive screening procedures; making TSA PreCheck more inclusive; expanding airline partnerships to enhance the overall travel experience; streamlining identity validation; facilitating effective communication at U.S. ports of entry and beyond; and updating Trusted Travel Programs to align with the U.S. Department of State’s passport options.
The new measures are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's nationwide efforts to promote improved equality for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming Americans.
