Amid the immigration crisis the United States has been grappling with under the Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security is ordering Customs and Border Patrol agents to use gender-neutral language and ask immigrants for their “preferred pronouns” during interactions.

The guidance, revealed by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, aims to improve communication with individuals who identify as LGBTQI+.

In a document titled “Guide to Facilitating Effective Communication with Individuals who Identify as LGBTQI+,” the department emphasized its application to all CBP employees who engage with the public, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, transgender, queer or questioning, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming.

Under the new instruction, CBP agents are not allowed to use gender-specific pronouns like “he” or “she” until they have more information about the individual’s preference. Terms such as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “sir,” or “ma’am” are also discouraged in favor of more gender-neutral language.

According to the DHS, gender identity and attraction are distinct and can vary among individuals. “The terms and definitions in this job guide are not universal. Some LGBTQI+ individuals may define these terms differently,” he added.

It is not lost on many that this directive comes at a time of significant challenges on the southern border, with an estimated 1.7 million illegal immigrant “gotaways” entering the United States since President Joe Biden assumed office.

Lawmakers have condemned DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for prioritizing political correctness over border security.

Among critics of the guidance is Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), who has expressed concern that this focus on language detracts from addressing the ongoing border crisis. He believes that Border Patrol agents require additional tools and resources to secure the borders effectively, not gender ideology.

Green, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, stated, “Border Patrol agents are crying out for tools and policies that will help them do their jobs, but are being handed manuals on misgendering instead.”

For Greene, this is a complete diversion from what the DHS should be doing – addressing the pressing issues of criminal illegal aliens being released into the country and the apprehension of individuals on the terrorist watchlist due to overwhelmed Border Patrol agents.