President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States, sparking concerns among activists and advocacy groups regarding its implications for non-English speakers in areas such as immigration and voter access. The order allows government agencies and federally-funded organizations to choose whether to provide services and documents in languages other than English, overturning a previous mandate from former President Bill Clinton. While the White House asserts that this move promotes unity and efficiency, critics view it as a divisive tactic by the president.

The designation of an official language holds significance in shaping a nation’s character and cultural identity, with the potential to empower certain groups while marginalizing others. With over 350 languages spoken in the U.S., advocates argue that linguistic diversity enriches society and facilitates communication. Concerns arise regarding citizenship processes and voting accessibility, as limiting federal communications to English could hinder non-English speakers from participating fully in civic life.

Entities such as United We Dream and APIAVote caution that restricting language options may disenfranchise naturalized citizens and elderly residents, impeding their engagement in critical services and activities. The move is seen as exacerbating xenophobia and discrimination, particularly against minority and immigrant groups. While more than 30 states have already designated English as their official language, the debate continues at the federal level, with past legislative efforts failing to establish English as the national language. In a global context, over 170 countries have official languages, with varying approaches to linguistic diversity and minority rights.