New Executive Order Makes English the Nation's Official Language. What Does That Mean?

A new executive order signed on March 1 made English the official language of the United States. What does this mean for immigrants and others whose primary language is something other than English?

Perhaps most importantly, it rescinds a Clinton-era policy that requires the federal government to assist people with limited English proficiency. According to the White House, organizations and government agencies will now have the option of offering English-only services.

A Long-Running Debate

Making English the official language of the U.S. has been a long-running debate. When the Founding Fathers drafted the United States Constitution, they chose not to include an official language. While English was the most widely spoken language at the time, they didn't want to offend fellow Americans who had fought for independence. In fact, the Constitution was reprinted in both Dutch and German before ratification to gather support. While the idea of an official language has been brought up numerous times since, neither Congress nor any President has ever chosen to make English the official language of the U.S.

It's a different story for state governments. 32 states currently have either a statute, a state constitutional amendment, or an interpretation of the U.S. Constitution making English the official language in their jurisdiction. Some states require all public schools to teach in only English.

Proponents argue that having an official language encourages immigrants to learn English and makes communication in government more effective. Critics argue that it harms integration efforts and can lead immigrants and non-native speakers to become isolated and underserved.

What Will it Affect?

There could be some practical impacts on the daily lives of Americans. For example, the IRS offers publications in several different languages, including Spanish, Chinese simplified and traditional, and Haitian-Creole. You can get your Form 1040 — the individual tax return — in 20 other languages.

Estimates show that roughly 75% of Americans planned to file their 2024 taxes themselves. That number might not be possible if only returns in English are accepted.

However, the executive order does not require only English to be used on government forms. Instead, it is now optional. Some government agencies or organizations that receive federal funding may still choose to offer forms and services in other languages. The IRS may very well keep offering forms in other languages to help it collect money. The new executive order also does not force public schools to teach only in English. That is why it remains to be seen how big an effect this executive order will have on the federal government, or whether the move is mostly symbolic.

For now, however, if English is your second language and you are attempting to use or interact with a federal government service or agency, it may be worth thinking about how you could potentially go through the process in English.

Related Resources

• English-Only Instruction in Public Schools (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
• What Are Executive Orders? What Are Their Limits? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• National Origin Discrimination and English-Language Only Rules (FindLaw's Employment Discrimination Law)