In a move that could have far-reaching implications on federal policy, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the national language of the United States. The decision cites the historical significance that both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were composed in English, highlighting a desire to unify citizens through a common language.
The executive order intends to make the United States a, “shared home,” and to empower new citizens to achieve what it terms as “the American dream.” It suggests that fluency in English opens economic doors, while fostering policy-level engagement and participation in national customs. While the order advocates for the learning and adoption of English, it stops short of mandating the cessation of multilingual services or documentations across federal agencies. Nevertheless, a Spanish version of the Whitehouse.gov website, is no longer active, although archival access is still available.
This executive order explicitly repeals Executive Order 13166 implemented in 2000, which required federal agencies to provide services inclusively to individuals with limited English proficiency. With this rollback, the US Attorney General is now tasked with issuing new guidance that aligns with the prevailing law.
Concerns have been raised regarding the effect this order may have on immigrant communities. Anabel Mendoza, Communications Director for the immigration advocacy group UnitedWeDream, expressed apprehensions that this shift could target educational institutions offering multilingual curriculums, potentially disrupting language programs that enhance diversity. The full impact of this policy shift could see profound transformations in how governmental services are accessed by the United States’ non-English speaking population, which according to a 2022 report by the US Census, includes 67.8 million individuals.
The broader implications of this new policy cosign more than 350 languages currently spoken in the US, encompassing predominant languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and others. These changes in language policy mark a significant shift in the federal government’s approach towards language in American society.
Further details on this executive decision can be read on JURIST.