On March 1, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order recognizing English as the official language of the United States. So what does this mean for non-English speakers in terms of immigration, voting and other issues?
Signs in English and Spanish sit side by side in Brooklyn, New York City (New York state) on February 28.
The executive order recognizing English as the official language of the United States will allow government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue providing documents and services in languages other than English, according to AP.
President Trump's executive order revokes a presidential mandate from the 1990s, specifically under President Bill Clinton, that required funding for federal and local agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers in the United States.
AP quoted Ms. Vanessa Cárdenas, Director of America's Voice, an organization advocating immigration reform in the US, expressing concern about the possible impact of the new decree on people who have long relied on language support to grasp important information in the US.
What does official language mean?
According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (based in Sweden), an official language is the language used by the government of a country in its daily operations. Having more than one official language allows for the identification of a country's national character and the cultural identity of the people living on its land.
US English, an organization that campaigns for English to be recognized as an official language in the United States, argues that having an official language provides a common means of communication and encourages immigrants to learn English if they want to use public services.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 350 languages spoken in the United States. The most commonly spoken languages after English are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog (Filipino), Vietnamese, and Arabic.
Americans also speak indigenous languages such as Navajo, Yupik, Dakota, Apache, Keres, and Cherokee.
US election station in Washington DC on November 5, 2024
Possible impact on naturalization and voting
Anabel Mendoza, communications director for the Washington DC-based immigration advocacy organization United We Dream, said limiting the number of languages in federal communications would put those preparing to become U.S. citizens in a more difficult position if they cannot speak their native language during the citizenship test.
People of certain ages and permanent residency requirements can now be exempt from taking the citizenship test and answering interviews in their native language.
The Washington DC-based nonprofit APIAVote, which focuses on voter registration efforts for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, also expressed concern that the new order could create barriers for millions of voters who are not fluent in English while exercising their right to citizenship.
"They will have more difficulty participating in civic activities and elections, as well as accessing health care, economic resources and education," APIAVote said in a statement, according to AP.
How many countries have official languages?
It is estimated that over 170 countries recognize official languages, with some recognizing more than one.
Mexico has no official language. In Canada, the official languages are English and French.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tieng-anh-vua-tro-thanh-ngon-ngu-chinh-thuc-o-my-co-tac-dong-ra-sao-185250302105018331.htm
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