President Trump has signed an executive order making English the official language of the United States. This move cancels a policy established under President Clinton, which required government agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. However, the new order allows federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funds to decide whether to continue offering services and documents in other languages. The order does not address funding for language services.
The executive order emphasizes that it is “long past time” for English to be the official language, stating that a common language strengthens society by uniting citizens who can communicate freely with each other. It claims that having a national language will streamline communication, reinforce shared values, and create a more efficient society.
While acknowledging that more than 350 languages are spoken in the U.S., the order highlights that English has been the country’s language since its founding. It advocates for policies that encourage learning English to foster unity and help immigrants pursue the American Dream.
The order also stresses the importance of national identity and civic engagement through a shared language. It celebrates Americans who have learned English and passed it down through generations while encouraging immigrants to achieve success in the U.S.
Although agencies can still provide services in other languages, the order encourages non-English speakers to learn English. Despite ongoing efforts in recent years to make government services more accessible to non-English speakers, many Republican lawmakers have tried to pass laws declaring English the national language, though unsuccessfully. More than 30 states, however, have already adopted English as their official language.
Former Senator JD Vance, now Vice President, introduced the English Language Unity Act, which sought to mandate all official government business be conducted in English and to set new English language testing requirements for citizenship.
Additionally, the Spanish-language version of the White House website has been unavailable since the administration took office, despite previous statements that it would be restored.
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