By Jordan Evans, CEO of Language Network
On March 1, 2025, the United States officially declared English as its national language through an Executive Order. While over 30 states, including California since 1986, already recognize English as their official language, this executive order marks a significant shift. Notably, it replaces Executive Order 13166 from the Clinton era, which directed federal agencies to provide multilingual accommodation.
Read the full Executive Order here.
What Does This Mean for Language Access?
As someone who has long been proud of the civil rights protections in the U.S. that ensure equitable access regardless of language, I can’t help but ask: does this change everything?
The short answer is no. While this Executive Order makes headlines and may impact federal agencies over time, it does not erase the numerous laws and mandates that continue to protect language access. Our diverse communities remain, and so does the demand for multilingual services. Many federal and state laws still require public organizations to provide language support.
“Personally, I have long been very proud of the civil rights afforded in the US to provide equitable access and accommodation—regardless of language. So does this change everything?”
- Jordan
Federal Mandates Protecting Language Access
Several key federal laws continue to safeguard language access for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination based on national origin, ensuring that recipients of federal funding provide meaningful access to individuals with LEP.
- Executive Order 13166 (now replaced): This directs federal agencies to provide meaningful access to their programs and activities for LEP individuals. It also requires recipients of federal financial assistance to take reasonable steps to ensure LEP individuals have meaningful access.
- Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA): Requires healthcare providers to offer language assistance services to LEP individuals.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Ensures that individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing have access to effective communication, including ASL interpreters.
American Sign Language (ASL) Protections
ASL is officially recognized as a language, and access to ASL interpretation is protected under the ADA. Organizations must provide ASL interpreters when needed to ensure effective communication with Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals. Additionally, many states and local governments have their own laws to reinforce ASL access.
State-Level Language Access Protections
I’ll provide a few examples across the diverse West Coast and our nations fastest growing state, Texas.
California
California has a strong commitment to language access, reinforced by:
- Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act: Requires state agencies to provide services in languages spoken by a substantial number of residents.
- Healthcare Regulations: Mandate interpreter services and translated materials in state-funded healthcare programs.
- Court Language Access Requirements: Ensure LEP individuals receive interpreter services in legal proceedings.
- California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Policies: Require translated documents and interpreter services.
Washington
Washington State mandates language access services across multiple sectors:
- State Agency Language Access Requirements: Guarantee that LEP individuals can access government services.
- Healthcare Regulations: Require providers to offer language assistance.
- Court Interpreter Programs: Ensure interpreters are available for LEP individuals in legal settings.
Texas
Texas also enforces language access protections, particularly in legal settings:
- Texas Government Code, Chapter 57: Establishes certified court interpreter requirements.
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 38.30 and 38.31: Mandate interpreters in criminal proceedings for LEP individuals and Deaf individuals.
The Future of Language Access in the U.S.
While this Executive Order establishes English as the national language, its practical impact will depend on how individual federal, state, and local agencies implement language access policies moving forward. Existing laws continue to require meaningful access for LEP individuals, and states with strong language access protections—such as California, Washington, and Texas—are expected to maintain their commitments to multilingual support.
At Language Network, we remain dedicated to bridging language gaps and ensuring equitable access to communication for all communities. As policies evolve, we will continue monitoring changes and advocating for inclusive language services.