Washington D.C., March 2025 — A recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump declaring English as the official language of the United States has ignited widespread controversy, with critics warning that the move could strip away essential rights for millions of Americans with limited English proficiency (LEP).
In the nearly 250-year history of the United States, no federal law has ever established an official language — a reflection of the country’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape. While several states have adopted English as their official language, the new executive order marks the first attempt to mandate English at the national level, sparking alarm among immigrant communities, advocacy groups, and legal experts.
The executive order effectively removes the obligation of federally funded institutions — including hospitals, schools, and social service agencies — to provide professional interpreters for individuals with limited English skills. This shift threatens to reverse progress made under Executive Order 13166, signed by former President Bill Clinton in 2000, which required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to offer language access services.
Deadly Consequences of Language Barriers
Language barriers in healthcare settings have historically led to devastating outcomes. A 2010 report by the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health and the National Health Law Program highlighted the case of a 9-year-old Vietnamese-American girl who died after being administered the wrong medication at a hospital that failed to provide a professional interpreter. The girl, who was seriously ill, had been forced to translate between medical staff and her parents. The tragic incident resulted in a $200,000 malpractice settlement — a price that many hoped would prevent similar negligence in the future.
Critics argue that Trump’s executive order will make such tragedies more common. “This is not just a policy change — it’s a death sentence for many people,” said Dr. Rebecca Martinez, a PhD candidate researching language access and healthcare equity. “Without professional interpreters, hospitals will be free to cut costs at the expense of human lives.”
A Blow to Immigrant Communities
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 68 million Americans speak a language other than English at home, with over 25 million classified as LEP. For these individuals, access to professional interpreters can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations.
Opponents of the executive order argue that expecting immigrants to immediately master English — especially technical jargon used in medical, legal, and government settings — is unrealistic and discriminatory. “Learning English is hard enough in everyday situations, let alone in high-stress emergencies,” Martinez said. “This policy punishes people simply for not being born into the dominant language.”
Echoes of White Nationalism
Beyond its practical implications, the executive order is being viewed by many as a thinly veiled nod to nationalist sentiments. By privileging English over the more than 350 languages spoken in the U.S. — including indigenous languages that predate English colonization — the policy reinforces exclusionary ideas of who belongs in America.
“Make no mistake, this isn’t about efficiency — it’s about sending a message,” said Maria Lopez, a language rights advocate. “It tells immigrants, refugees, and Indigenous communities that they are second-class citizens.”
Legal Challenges on the Horizon
Civil rights organizations are already preparing to challenge the executive order in court, arguing that it violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin.
As the legal battle looms, community organizers are urging Congress to pass legislation protecting language access rights — a step that would safeguard vital services for millions of Americans.
“This country was built on the contributions of people who spoke many different languages,” Lopez said. “Declaring English as the official language won’t erase those voices — but it will silence many of them.”
With protests mounting and lawsuits expected, the fight over language rights in America is far from over.
