Trump Declares English the Official Language of the U.S., Rescinding Multilingual Access Policies

The executive order removes federal requirements for multilingual services, raising concerns about barriers to essential resources for non-English speakers.

• President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 1 declaring English the official language of the United States, ending federal mandates for multilingual accessibility in government services.
• Critics argue the policy disproportionately impacts non-English speakers, particularly immigrants and minority communities, by creating barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and legal resources.
• The order reverses a Clinton-era policy requiring federally funded institutions to provide services in multiple languages for individuals with limited English proficiency.
• Advocacy groups and members of Congress warn the measure could harm civic participation, restrict voting access, and marginalize communities that rely on non-English language support.
• Supporters of the order claim it promotes national unity and integration, while opponents see it as exclusionary and an attack on America’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

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