English is now the Official Language of the United States

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   Readmikenowposted 4 days ago

   It's about time.  Most countries have a designated official language.
   
   A new executive order signed on March 1 made English the official language of the United States. What does this mean for immigrants and others whose primary language is something other than English?
   
   Perhaps most importantly, it rescinds a Clinton-era policy that requires the federal government to assist people with limited English proficiency. According to the White House, organizations and government agencies will now have the option of offering English-only services.
   
   A Long-Running Debate
   Making English the official language of the U.S. has been a long-running debate. When the Founding Fathers drafted the United States Constitution, they chose not to include an official language. While English was the most widely spoken language at the time, they didn't want to offend fellow Americans who had fought for independence. In fact, the Constitution was reprinted in both Dutch and German before ratification to gather support. While the idea of an official language has been brought up numerous times since, neither Congress nor any President has ever chosen to make English the official language of the U.S.
   
   It's a different story for state governments. 32 states currently have either a statute, a state constitutional amendment, or an interpretation of the U.S. Constitution making English the official language in their jurisdiction. Some states require all public schools to teach in only English.
   
   Proponents argue that having an official language encourages immigrants to learn English and makes communication in government more effective. Critics argue that it harms integration efforts and can lead immigrants and non-native speakers to become isolated and underserved.
   
   What Will it Affect?
   There could be some practical impacts on the daily lives of Americans. For example, the IRS offers publications in several different languages, including Spanish, Chinese simplified and traditional, and Haitian-Creole. You can get your Form 1040 — the individual tax return — in 20 other languages.
   
   Estimates show that roughly 75% of Americans planned to file their 2024 taxes themselves. That number might not be possible if only returns in English are accepted.
   
   However, the executive order does not require only English to be used on government forms. Instead, it is now optional. Some government agencies or organizations that receive federal funding may still choose to offer forms and services in other languages. The IRS may very well keep offering forms in other languages to help it collect money. The new executive order also does not force public schools to teach only in English. That is why it remains to be seen how big an effect this executive order will have on the federal government, or whether the move is mostly symbolic.
   
   For now, however, if English is your second language and you are attempting to use or interact with a federal government service or agency, it may be worth thinking about how you could potentially go through the process in English.

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      wildernessposted 3 days agoin reply to this

      "Critics argue that it harms integration efforts and can lead immigrants and non-native speakers to become isolated and underserved."
      
      Having one common language harms integration efforts?  Because they all speak the same language?  It causes immigrants and non-native speakers to become isolated and "underserved" (whatever that means) because they all speak the same language? 
      
      Is this just more liberal double speak that actually has no meaning at all or am I missing something?
      
      There are two options for actual immigrants: become a citizen of the United States, which requires learning English, or don't become a citizen.  If you are not a citizen, and choose to separate yourself with a language barrier, then I don't truly care if you are "underserved" or isolated.  I am certainly not amenable to putting special effort into your assimilation when you refuse to learn the common language but desire to live here anyway.

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         Readmikenowposted 3 days agoin reply to this

         Well said!

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         Credence2posted 2 days agoin reply to this

         Ever been to South Florida, Wilderness? there are large swaths of Miami where business is conducted and they are not just taco stands. People should learn English as it is the dominant language spoken here not because of some edict from Trump. It is ultimately up to the new residents to acquire the linguistic skills needed for success here without your trying to create a melting pot.

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            Readmikenowposted 45 hours agoin reply to this

            Making English the official language doesn't require anyone to learn English. 
            
            It means the federal government no longer has to accommodate any other languages.  Websites will no longer be required to be in more than one language.  Information will no longer be required to be in more than one language, etc.

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            1. 81

               Credence2posted 44 hours agoin reply to this

               It means the federal government no longer has to accommodate any other languages.  Websites will no longer be required to be in more than one language.  Information will no longer be required to be in more than one language, etc.
               ————-
               With that interpretation, I disagree. This is a diverse society with many different languages spoken, it is callous to impose this, it is just a provincial typical xenophobic conservative concept.

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      DWDavisRSLposted 3 days agoin reply to this

      Trump cannot create legislation by Executive Order, no matter what he thinks. To make English the Official Language of the US would require and act of Congress.

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         Readmikenowposted 3 days agoin reply to this

         You are absolutely correct.
         
         It will be put in place unless someone files a lawsuit and challenges it.
         
         I hope Congress works on making it law.

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            Kathleen Cochranposted 2 days agoin reply to this

            I hope Congress spends its time on more critical matters.
            
            For instance:
            
            https://youtu.be/Hs2hrpPmx7k?si=T_FAADUqv_ShoAS1

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   Kathleen Cochranposted 44 hours ago

   It is one more way to undo 100 years of progress.
   
   "Cruelty is the policy."
   
   Is it ever.
   
   And those who support the cruelty do so because Trump has given them permission to be just as cruel as their basest instincts compel them to be.
   
   MAKE AMERICA GOOD AGAIN 2028!

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