Language Rights are Civil Rights. Know Your Rights: Executive Order Threatens Access to Federal Programs. bit.ly/KYR-EO14224
On March 1, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14224 declaring English to be the official language of the U.S. and revoking Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons With Limited English Proficiency, issued by President Clinton in 2000. Language rights are deeply rooted in long-standing federal and state mandates, which have been critical to maintaining our individual and collective health, safety, and well-being, as well as ensuring that all communities, regardless of what language we use, can participate in and contribute to a thriving society. Although these existing federal and state laws have not been changed by the executive order, the order threatens more than two decades of progress towards meaningful language access for all. The Asian Law Caucus, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA), and Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) have developed this FAQ to help community groups and state and local officials understand the reach and impact of Executive Order 14224. Our full FAQ is available in 20 languages at bit.ly/KYR-EO14224.
1. What does Executive Order 14224 on English as the official language of the United States do? The order declares English as the official language of the United States. It also revokes Executive Order 13166, signed by President Clinton in 2000, which required federal agencies to develop and implement plans to allow individuals with limited English proficiency to meaningfully access federally conducted programs and activities. EO 13166 also required federal agencies to issue language access guidance for entities that receive federal funding, to ensure meaningful access for all. EO 14224 requires the Attorney General to withdraw any policy guidance documents issued under EO 13166 and provide “updated guidance,” but does not require federal agencies or entities that receive federal funding to stop existing language support they may be providing to people who use non-English languages. The executive order states that “nothing in this order…requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency” and that agencies “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 remains to be seen, however, whether federal agencies, at their own discretion, will choose to change or reduce the amount of language support they provide individuals with limited English proficiency, or issue “updated” language access guidance that differs significantly from prior guidance.
2. What is the impact of English being named as the official language of the United States? The United States is home to more than 350 languages, spoken by over 69 million people. Every day, schools, healthcare institutions, courts, and other government agencies at all levels provide resources and services in multiple languages. Our individual and collective health, safety, and well-being depend on ensuring that there is effective and meaningful communication with and language access for all of our communities. Despite Trump’s Executive Order 14224, and even without Executive Order 13166, language access is required by law. Executive orders cannot overturn existing laws or regulations. Additionally, every person in the United States – no matter where they come from, their English proficiency, or their immigration status – is protected against discrimination based on national origin, including language. Federal and state laws also continue to require sign language interpretation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. We should collectively monitor and enforce our rights under these ongoing language access laws and regulations, as needed.
1/2 April is #LanguageAccessMonth! Language rights are critical to our communities' health, safety, and wellbeing, ensuring that everyone can participate in a thriving society.
