President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday designating English as the official language of the United States, a move that has reignited debate over language access and immigrant inclusion. The order grants federal agencies and federally funded organizations the discretion to determine whether they will continue offering documents and services in languages other than English. It also repeals a mandate introduced by former President Bill Clinton, which required language assistance for non-English speakers in government services. "Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, creating a more cohesive and efficient society," the order states. It further emphasizes that encouraging English proficiency among new immigrants will help them integrate into American communities, traditions, and economic opportunities. More than 30 U.S. states have already passed laws recognizing English as their official language. While lawmakers have introduced multiple bills over the years to declare English the national language, none have successfully passed in Congress. This new executive order follows a pattern set during Trump's previous tenure. Shortly after taking office in 2017, his administration removed the Spanish-language version of the White House website, a move that was met with criticism from Hispanic advocacy groups. Although the Biden administration restored the Spanish site in 2021, it has not yet been confirmed whether the site will remain available under this order. Critics argue that the policy change will make it harder for millions of non-English speakers, particularly immigrants, to access essential government services and civic opportunities. “This isn’t just an offensive gesture that alienates millions of U.S. citizens who speak other languages—it also directly harms those who rely on language assistance for vital information,” said Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America’s Voice, an immigration advocacy group. Anabel Mendoza, communications director for United We Dream, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the potential impact on the naturalization process. “Limiting federal communication to English will make it significantly harder for immigrants to become citizens if they are unable to access information in their native language,” she said. Under current laws, certain long-term residents and older immigrants can qualify for language exemptions when taking the U.S. citizenship test. Advocacy groups fear that the executive order could lead to further restrictions, making the path to citizenship more difficult “Trump is sending a clear message: If you’re not white, wealthy, and fluent in English, you don’t belong here,” Mendoza added.