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Original Date Announced
March 1, 2025President Trump issued Executive Order (EO), “Designating English as the Official Language of The United States.” The EO revokes EO 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” which was an executive order from 2000 that required federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. The Trump EO states that “nothing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency,” and that “[a]gency heads are not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.” It further directs the Attorney General to “provide updated guidance, consistent with applicable law.”
Trump 2.0 [ID # 1582]
2025.03.01 EO 14224 - Designating English as the Official Language of the United StatesSubsequent Trump and Court Action(s)
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March 14, 2025
2025.03.14 Reported: Trump administration cancels translation services for those calling USCIS - Government Executive
Government Executive reports that the Trump Administration has canceled a contract responsible for providing translation services for "individuals or businesses calling the Homeland Security Department on questions related to their employment status or benefits." Forthcoming guidance instructs USCIS employees to end calls with individuals if they are not fluent in the caller's language.
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April 15, 2025
2025.04.15 DOJ CRT146: Notice of Rescission of Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons
The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division rescinded the agency's 2002 Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, 67 FR 41455. This guidance addressed the required provision under Title VI of language access programs in immigration detention facilities.
The prior guidance required Title VI grantees to provide reasonable access to their programs through written or oral translation to those with limited English proficiency (LEP) by considering 1) the number or proportion of LEP persons encountered by the program, 2) the frequency of LEP individuals' contact with the program, 3) the nature and importance of the services provided by the program, and 4) the resources available to cover the costs of such services.
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Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Presidential OrdersSubject Matter:Associated or Derivative Policies
Pre Trump-Era Policies
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August 11, 2000
EO 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency", signed by President Clinton in 2000, required federal agencies to examine the services they provide and develop as well as implement a system “by which [non-English speakers] can meaningfully access those services.” The EO also required that entities receiving federal financial assistance provide meaningful access to their non-English-speaking applicants and beneficiaries.
2000.08.11 EO 13166 - Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com
Commentary
2025.03.03 New York Times - Trump Made English the Official Language. What Does It Mean for the Country?
The New York Times reports on reactions to the EO. The article notes that “immigrant-rights groups and congressional Democrats warned that the order could alienate immigrants and make it harder for non-English speakers to get government services, fill out health care forms or vote.”
Go to article2025.03.24 NILC - Language Access and Civil Rights: Analyzing the Impact of the Executive Order Claiming to Make English the Official National Language
The National Immigration Law Center analyzes the EO and what it means for people with limited English proficiency.
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