Trump’s English-Only Order: A Symbolic Move with a Long History

Mar 2

By Amba Law Immigration Solutions
Inspired by reporting from Luke Broadwater, The New York Times

A New Order, But Not a New Debate

On Saturday, March 01, 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States.

While the order does not mandate sweeping changes to government policies, it does rescind a Clinton-era rule requiring federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. Though largely symbolic, the order represents a major win for the English-only movement—a long-standing effort to restrict bilingual education and reduce language access for immigrants.

The order has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters argue it strengthens national unity, while opponents see it as a way to target immigrants, particularly Spanish speakers. More than 30 U.S. states already have English-only laws, but at the federal level, the country has never had an official language.

A Look Back: Language and Identity in America

The debate over English as an official language is not new. Throughout U.S. history, language has been tied to issues of immigration, education, and national identity.

Early America: The U.S. was never an English-only nation. Native American languages, Spanish, French, German, and Dutch were spoken by large communities in different parts of the country.
Late 1800s: As immigration increased, English became more dominant in public life. Schools discouraged or even banned the use of other languages.
20th Century: The Civil Rights Movement and later laws, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, helped protect language rights, ensuring bilingual ballots and language assistance in government services.
1980s-Present: The English-only movement gained momentum, with some states passing laws to limit government documents and services to English.

Trump’s order is just the latest chapter in this long and complicated history.

Naturalization English & Civics Unaffected

As part of the U.S. naturalization process, applicants must demonstrate basic English proficiency, including the ability to read, write, and speak simple English. This is assessed through the naturalization test, which evaluates:
**Speaking and Understanding**: Evaluated during the eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
**Reading**: Applicants must read one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate their ability to read in English.
**Writing**: Applicants must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate their ability to write in English.

Additionally, applicants must pass a civics test, which assesses knowledge of U.S. history and government. This test covers important U.S. history and government topics.

It's important to note that recent executive actions, such as the designation of English as the official language of the United States, do not alter these existing naturalization requirements. The process for assessing English language proficiency and civics knowledge remains unchanged.

How Other Countries Handle Language Laws

While the U.S. has debated an official language for years, other countries have taken different approaches:

Canada: Has two official languages, English and French. Both are used in government, schools, and public services.
India: Has no national language but recognizes Hindi and English as official languages. Over 20 other languages are recognized at the state level.
Switzerland: Recognizes four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—ensuring government services are accessible to all linguistic communities.
France: Has strict laws protecting the French language, banning government use of foreign words in official communication.

“an empire of many”

**Ethiopia:** Recognizes multiple official languages, reflecting its rich linguistic diversity. Historically, Amharic served as the sole official language. However, in 2020, the Ethiopian government expanded this to include Afar, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya as additional official languages. This change aims to promote inclusivity and better represent the country's various linguistic communities. Despite this, Amharic continues to function as the working language of the federal government.
Ethiopia, often referred to as the "Empire of Tribes," is home to an extraordinary linguistic diversity, with estimates ranging from 80 to over 100 distinct languages spoken across its various ethnic groups. Notably, Ethiopia was never colonized, maintaining its sovereignty even during the colonial era. As a result, unlike many African nations where colonial languages like English or French became dominant, Ethiopia has preserved its indigenous languages as the primary means of communication.

The Impact on Immigrants and Communities

The U.S. is home to millions of people who speak languages other than English. According to the Census Bureau:

42 million people speak Spanish at home
3 million speak Chinese
Many others speak Tagalog, Vietnamese, Arabic, and other languages

While Trump’s order does not ban language services, removing federal requirements could make it harder for immigrants to access education, healthcare, and legal assistance.

What Happens Next?

Trump’s move is expected to face legal challenges. Critics argue that limiting language access could violate civil rights protections. Pro-immigrant groups have already vowed to fight the order in court.

Final Thoughts: What Does It Mean for Immigrants?

For many immigrants, learning English is a goal—but it takes time. Language access ensures they can work, pay taxes, and participate in society while they learn. Policies that limit language support may create barriers rather than promote unity.

The U.S. has always been a nation of many languages. Declaring English the official language may be symbolic, but it raises real questions about inclusion, identity, and the future of immigration in America.

The Importance of Learning English for Immigrants

Learning English is a pivotal step for immigrants aiming to fully integrate and thrive in the United States. While proficiency in English is a requirement for naturalization, the benefits extend far beyond legal obligations. Here are key reasons why mastering English can significantly enhance the quality of life for immigrants:

1. Enhanced Employment Opportunities

Proficiency in English substantially broadens job prospects and can lead to higher earnings. Studies have shown that immigrants with strong English skills earn between 17% to 24% more than those without. This linguistic ability enables access to a wider range of occupations, including those requiring advanced communication skills.

2. Improved Social Integration

Language is a bridge to social connections. Being able to communicate in English allows immigrants to engage more deeply with their communities, fostering relationships with neighbors, participating in local events, and accessing community resources. This integration is crucial for building a supportive social network and a sense of belonging.

3. Access to Essential Services

Understanding English is vital for effectively navigating essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. It empowers individuals to comprehend medical instructions, engage with educators regarding their children's schooling, and understand legal rights and responsibilities.

4. Educational Advancement

English proficiency opens doors to educational opportunities, enabling immigrants to pursue higher education and vocational training. This advancement not only enhances personal development but also increases competitiveness in the job market.

5. Civic Participation

A strong command of English encourages active participation in civic duties, such as voting, community organizing, and public speaking. This involvement is essential for representing one's interests and contributing to societal development.

6. Personal Empowerment

Learning English boosts confidence and independence, reducing reliance on translators and enabling individuals to advocate for themselves and their families. This empowerment leads to greater control over personal and professional decisions.

In conclusion, while learning English is a requirement for naturalization, its significance permeates various facets of life, from economic opportunities to social integration and personal empowerment. Investing time and effort into mastering the English language is a profound step toward achieving the American dream and ensuring a fulfilling life in the United States.

What do you think?

The U.S. has always been a nation of many languages. Declaring English the official language may be symbolic, but it raises real questions about inclusion, identity, and the future of immigration in America.

Should the U.S. have an official language? Should government services be available in multiple languages? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Yasin Amba

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