By Kyriaki Papayatzoglou
Recent developments surrounding immigration policies and the rights of transgender people in the U.S. clearly show that the Donald Trump administration’s hard line is not only not backing down, but is intensifying—with direct consequences for the daily lives and safety of thousands of people.
The new rules introduced by the U.S. Department of State for the “Green Card Lottery” program are not merely a technical change. The requirement to declare one’s “biological sex at birth,” even when it conflicts with a person’s gender identity or official documents, constitutes a profound political choice. A choice that calls into question the very existence and recognition of trans people.
Behind the rhetoric of “combating fraud,” an environment of increased control, fear, and exclusion is taking shape. Trans applicants are essentially being asked to disclose personal information that could expose them to discrimination, delays, or even rejection. At the same time, inconsistencies are created in their documents that could be used against them.
The situation becomes even more alarming when viewed within the broader context of policies implemented by agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where cases of mistreatment, arbitrary detention, and inhumane conditions for transgender immigrants and asylum seekers have already been documented. The lack of transparency and the cessation of data collection on transgender detainees reinforce concerns that the lives of these people are becoming increasingly “invisible” within the system.
This is not merely an administrative change. It is a policy direction that, step by step, curtails fundamental human rights: the right to self-determination, to safety, and to equal treatment.
For a site that promotes diversity and inclusion, it is crucial to recognize that such policies do not affect everyone equally. Trans people—and particularly those who belong to immigrant or racially marginalized communities—are at the center of these pressures.
In a world that must move toward acceptance and equality, these developments serve as a reminder that rights are not a given. And that defending them requires constant vigilance, awareness, and, above all, solidarity.
