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“[N]othing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency. Agency heads should make decisions as they deem necessary to fulfill their respective agencies’ mission and efficiently provide Government services to the American people.”
Executive Order “Designating English as the Official Language of the United States”, Sec. 3(b)
By Levi Gwaltney
Source: The White House
On February 1, 2025, Executive Order “Imposing Duties to Address the Situation at Our Southern Border” was signed into existence. The broad scope of this order provided legal cover for Customs and Border Protection agents to detain, interrogate and harass a bus full of high school swimmers sixty miles north of the border. (See: “Newly Militarized “La Migra” Detains and Questions Our Broader Community’s Best and Brightest Children on their way to NMAA High School State Swimming and Diving Championships“)
On February 19, 2025, Executive Order “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders” was signed into existence. Confusion over this executive order led one local health care provider to deny medical services to local residents, ultimately resulting in calls for the New Mexico Department of Justice to investigate the possible legal ramifications of acting on and interpreting the recently signed executive order. (See: “Heinrich, Vasquez Urge New Mexico Attorney General to Investigate Health Care Centers in Denying Medical Care to New Mexicans“)
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Yesterday, March 1, 2025, Executive Order “Designating English as the Official Language of the United States” was signed into existence. Despite the narrative tone of the order, there was only one item of substance in its entirety. It rescinds Executive Order 13166 of August 11, 2000 (Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency), which provided guidance on how to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Read the Executive Order in its entirety, here:
DESIGNATING ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE UNITED STATES
EXECUTIVE ORDER
March 1, 2025
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. From the founding of our Republic, English has been used as our national language. Our Nation’s historic governing documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, have all been written in English. It is therefore long past time that English is declared as the official language of the United States. A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.
In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the United States a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream. Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society. This order recognizes and celebrates the long tradition of multilingual American citizens who have learned English and passed it to their children for generations to come.
To promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement, it is in America’s best interest for the Federal Government to designate one — and only one — official language. Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.
Accordingly, this order designates English as the official language of the United States.
Sec. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this order:
(a) “Agency” has the meaning given to it in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code, except that such term does not include the Executive Office of the President or any components thereof.
(b) “Agency Head” means the highest-ranking official of an agency, such as the Secretary, Administrator, Chairman, or Director, unless otherwise specified in this order.
Sec. 3. Designating an Official Language for the United States. (a) English is the official language of the United States.
(b) Executive Order 13166 of August 11, 2000 (Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency), is hereby revoked; nothing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency. Agency heads should make decisions as they deem necessary to fulfill their respective agencies’ mission and efficiently provide Government services to the American people. Agency heads are not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.
(c) The Attorney General shall rescind any policy guidance documents issued pursuant to Executive Order 13166 and provide updated guidance, consistent with applicable law.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 1, 2025.
