On March 1, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that designates English as the official language of the United States. While the administration argues that this move will foster unity and streamline government functions, critics warn that it could marginalize immigrant communities and undermine the nation’s rich linguistic diversity.
This executive order reverses a Clinton-era mandate that required federal agencies to offer language assistance to non-English speakers. Under the new policy, government agencies now have the discretion to decide whether to provide documents and services in languages other than English. Advocates for immigrant and minority communities have expressed concern that this change could create significant barriers to accessing essential services for those who are not proficient in English.
Linguistic diversity has long been a cornerstone of American culture, with over 68 million residents speaking languages other than English and approximately 350 languages spoken nationwide. Spanish, in particular, is widely spoken, with more than 43 million people using it as their primary language in the U.S.
Abdel Achibat, an outspoken critic of the order, emphasized that America’s strength lies in its diversity.
“If the founding fathers had thought to make English the official language, they would have done so,” he said. ”Everyone came from different countries and spoke different languages—that’s always been the history and culture of the United States.”
The order has also raised concerns about access to justice and equity. By granting federal agencies the authority to limit language assistance services, non-English speakers could face significant hurdles when interacting with government institutions or seeking vital resources.
Jesus Balbuena, a Hispanic American business owner, voiced his disappointment over the policy’s potential effect on his predominantly Spanish-speaking clientele.
“It seems very unfair for the president to do this,” he said. “We work just like everyone else and do our best. How can I deny our culture?”
Despite these concerns, certain aspects of language assistance remain intact. Education experts note that K-12 schools are still required by federal law to provide support for English learners. Additionally, the designation of English as the official language has raised questions about potential legal challenges. Legal experts suggest that lawsuits could be filed over perceived violations of civil rights or allegations of discrimination against non-English speakers.
