In the Trump administration’s official executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States, the first paragraph cites the fact that the Constitution was written in the English language. However, the administration neglected one thing: before the Constitution was ever ratified, it was translated. During the ratification process, Pennsylvania and New York state legislatures requested multiple versions, in German and Dutch, to accommodate their diverse populations. The document that the Trump administration uses to support the policy is ironically the very one that showcases its flaws.
Even today, hundreds of years after the Constitution was ratified, linguistic diversity remains a prominent feature of our nation. As of 2019, nearly 68 million Americans spoke a language other than English at home, according to the US Census Bureau. These multilingual residents serve crucial roles in our society, and their multilingualism is not a weakness but a strength.
As a part of his declaration, Trump also repealed Executive Order 13166, which was created under the Clinton administration. The executive order sought to ensure that all federal services are easily accessible to those with limited English proficiency, so they can access any assistance they need. By repealing the order, the Trump administration blatantly violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin. As a result of this policy, Americans whose first language is not English will have a significantly harder time accessing vital government resources.
Even more concerning than the direct impacts, though, is the message the executive order sends. Our country was and is built on the backs of immigrants, many of whom came to the country speaking a language other than English. While these immigrants adjusted to life in America, they initially spoke their native languages, so why should the next generation of Americans lose that privilege?
In an age with countless economic, social, and political problems, this executive order feels like an unnecessary and unwarranted attack on the groups that make the country what it is today. In an ideal world, America is supposed to be a nation of acceptance, where anyone can turn to get a fresh start. The idea of the “American Dream” has reverberated worldwide for decades, and a crucial part of that dream is the idea that anyone can succeed. By passing a policy that targets Americans whose primary language isn’t English, the Trump administration dishonors the nation’s legacy and sets a terrifying precedent for the future.
