Washington, DC – On March 1, the Trump Administration released an executive order (EO) establishing English as the official language of the United States. The EO also rescinded Executive Order 13166, which was signed by President Clinton to improve access to federal programs and services for individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP). While the EO does not prevent federal agencies from continuing to provide translation and interpreting services if they choose to, it no longer requires agencies to improve in-language program and service access. This is of particular concern given the high rates of Southeast Asian Americans (SEAAs) who speak English less than very well:
- Almost half of all Vietnamese Americans speak English less than very well; and
- Roughly one third of Cambodian, Hmong, and Lao Americans also face language barriers.
This EO could have significant impact on SEAA communities, including decreasing access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health and mental health care; increasing public hostility against non-English language support; and reducing long-term federal support for in-language translations and interpretation.
“The diversity of our cultures and languages within the United States have always been a beacon of unity, hope, and strength for our country,” said Quyên Đinh, SEARAC Executive Director. “Language should never be a barrier to seeking support or exercising our fundamental rights. This EO is rooted in racism, signaling that immigrants and refugees do not deserve access to public services if they speak a language other than English. We urge our federal agencies to continue advancing language access for our communities, including the continuation of their language access plans; increasing and diversifying available qualified interpreters; and translating documents for LEP communities.”
Media contact: Elaine Sanchez Wilson, elaine@searac.org
