Trump’s English Language Order: Potential Effects

As President Donald Trump prepares to sign an executive order establishing English as the official language of the United States, various activists and advocacy groups are concerned about the implications for non-English speakers, particularly concerning immigration, voter access, and other essential services. The newly announced order gives government agencies and federally funded organizations the discretion to choose if they wish to continue providing documents and services in languages other than English, an action that overturns a policy from former President Bill Clinton. This previous mandate required federal entities and funded organizations to offer language assistance to non-English speakers.

The White House argues that designating English as the national language aims to “promote unity, enhance government efficiency, and foster civic engagement.” However, some activists claim the initiative is primarily intended to cultivate division and fear. Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America’s Voice, an immigration advocacy group, criticized the order as not only offensive but also potentially harmful to those reliant on language assistance for crucial information.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance describes an official language as the one used for the government’s day-to-day official operations. It can help define a nation’s character and cultural identity. However, advocating for a primary language can marginalize those who communicate in other languages and limit their influence and representation. Proponents, like the group U.S. English, endorse making English the official language, arguing it provides a universal communication medium and encourages immigrants to learn English for interacting with government services. Presently, data from the U.S. Census Bureau highlights that over 350 languages are spoken across the nation, with Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic among the most common after English. Additionally, many Native American languages like Navajo and Cherokee remain in use.

Anabel Mendoza, from the nonprofit United We Dream, suggested that the new order could impede the citizenship process by restricting individuals from using their native languages during applications. This might affect those who previously qualified for waivers allowing citizenship tests in their original language. Mendoza expressed concern that Trump’s actions send an exclusionary message. She emphasized that immigrants are here to stay, despite measures to diminish their presence.

Additionally, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus revealed plans for New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat to deliver an official Spanish-language response to Trump’s Congressional address on behalf of the Democrats. George Carrillo of the Hispanic Construction Council remarked that the move could hinder necessary support services like ESL programs and multilingual resources, particularly in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, predominantly Spanish-speaking. Carrillo expressed apprehension over how the executive order, while professed to unify, might instead sever crucial support networks, leaving families without resources to navigate key services.

APIAVote, an organization promoting voter registration among Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, warned that the policy could create barriers for numerous voters, particularly naturalized citizens or elderly residents lacking proficiency in English. The organization asserts that the order could hinder civic participation and access to essential healthcare, economic, and educational resources. APIAVote also highlights the risk of increasing xenophobia and discrimination, already heightened by recent upticks in anti-Asian hate and other forms of discrimination.

Currently, over 30 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands have already made English their official language, except for Hawaii, which recognizes both English and Hawaiian officially. Despite numerous legislative attempts over the years to make English the national language at the federal level, success has been elusive. Most recently, in 2023, Senators Kevin Cramer and JD Vance introduced the English Language Unity Act, though with limited progress.

Globally, it is believed that more than 170 countries have designated official languages, with some recognizing multiple official languages. For instance, Canada recognizes both English and French as official languages to protect linguistic minorities, while Mexico operates without an official language. In contrast, Canada’s Official Languages Act of 1969 fosters equality between its recognized languages to address diverse needs and ensure equitable status.