President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States, sparking concerns among activists and advocacy groups. The order allows government agencies and federally funded organizations to choose whether to offer documents and services in languages other than English. This move rescinds a previous mandate from former President Bill Clinton that required language assistance for non-English speakers.
Designating English as the national language is said to promote unity, efficiency in government operations, and civic engagement, according to the White House. However, critics view it as a divisive tactic by the president. Having an official language is crucial for conducting government business and defining a nation's character and cultural identity.
Advocates for English as the official language argue that it fosters communication, encourages immigrants to learn English, and establishes a common language policy. Currently, the U.S. is home to over 350 languages, with Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic being the most widely spoken after English.
The potential impact on citizenship and voting is a major concern for advocacy groups. Limiting federal communication to English could make it harder for non-English speakers to become citizens, affecting their ability to participate in civic activities. Critics argue that this move could disenfranchise naturalized citizens and elderly residents who are not proficient in English.
Several states, including California and New Hampshire, have already designated English as their official language, with Hawaii being the only state to have two official languages, English and Hawaiian. In contrast, over 170 countries worldwide have official languages, with some having more than one.
The executive order has raised fears of exclusion and discrimination among minority and immigrant groups. Advocacy organizations warn that the policy could hinder access to essential resources and fuel xenophobia. The move has sparked a debate on the balance between promoting unity and preserving linguistic diversity in a country known for its multiculturalism.
