Lost in Translation: The Cost of Ending Federal Language Access Requirements

On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14224, officially designating English as the national language of the United States. Some might have found it surprising that the U.S. managed to make it 250 years without a designated national language, but the Founding Fathers didn’t see language as something the federal government should regulate. Their focus was on freedom of speech, religion, and expression, not cultural uniformity. There’s no mention of language in the U.S. Constitution, which was intentional since many early Americans spoke German, Dutch, French, and other European languages, and the government operated in a relatively multilingual environment.

The new executive order isn’t just symbolic since it also rescinds Executive Order 13166 from August 11, 2000, which mandated federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The administration frames this change as a step toward national unity and efficiency but it’s likely to have a negative impact on multicultural communities and businesses.

A Symbolic Gesture with Tangible Consequences

Though the executive order does not immediately eliminate multilingual services, it grants federal agencies the discretion to determine the extent of language support they offer. This shift places millions of LEP individuals at risk of reduced access to essential services, from healthcare to emergency alerts. For instance, the National Weather Service recently ceased translating emergency warnings into other languages due to the expiration of a translation contract, raising concerns about the safety of non-English-speaking communities during critical events. As someone with an 80-year-old Spanish-speaking mother who needs access to Spanish language services, I find this troubling.

Impact on Federal Contractors and Businesses

Companies contracting with the federal government now face a complex landscape. While existing civil rights laws, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, still prohibit discrimination based on national origin, the rollback of mandated language assistance may lead to inconsistent application across agencies. Businesses and agencies now have the unenviable task of determining how to stay compliant with existing law while interpreting the new executive order. Additionally, organizations that previously invested in multilingual services to meet federal requirements might reconsider these offerings, potentially alienating non-English-speaking customers and employees. At a time when the percentage of immigrants in the U.S. is at an all-time high, reducing language options for constituents and consumers could have a negative impact on sales and delivery of services.

Cultural and Social Ramifications

The designation of English as the official language sends a message likely to be perceived as exclusionary by multicultural communities. Language is deeply tied to cultural identity, and policies prioritizing one language over others contribute to the perception of marginalization.

Navigating the Path Forward

In this evolving environment, it’s imperative for businesses and organizations to:

• Assess Compliance: Stay informed about federal and state requirements regarding language services to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Engage Communities: Foster open dialogues with multicultural communities to understand their needs and perspectives.
• Invest in Growing Communities: It’s good business to communicate with customers in a language they understand and relate to. Customers not served in the language they need or prefer will take their business elsewhere.

Conclusion

While the executive order states that its aim is to streamline government operations and promote unity, its broader implications cannot be overlooked. While it may be a noble goal to get my mother and other foreign-language speakers to speak better English, they may never be able to speak it at the level of their native language and will continue to need financial and legal documents translated. Fortunately, I can translate most things for my mom, but it makes sense for businesses and government agencies to do so since that gives them more control over the message and helps create a society that values every individual’s contribution, regardless of language proficiency.