On March 1, 2025, the President signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States. While English proficiency has long been a requirement for naturalization, this order could have broader effects on immigration, government services, and daily life for non-English speakers.
In this post, we’ll break down the key aspects of the order, its potential impact on immigrants, and what it could mean for those seeking U.S. citizenship.
Key Points of the Executive Order
The order states that:
- English is now the official language of the U.S.
- The government is not required to stop offering services in other languages.
- Executive Order 13166, which improved access to services for those with limited English proficiency, has been revoked.
- Federal agencies will decide how to handle non-English language services.
These provisions raise important questions about how immigration processes and public services will be affected.
Potential Impact on U.S. Immigration
1. Naturalization and Citizenship
English proficiency is already a requirement for naturalization, with some exceptions for older applicants and those with disabilities. This executive order does not change that requirement but reinforces the importance of English in public life.
Possible impact:
- Citizenship test and interview standards may be more strictly enforced.
- Fewer exemptions may be granted for English language requirements.
- More emphasis may be placed on English education for immigrants.
2. Visa Applicants and Green Card Holders
Currently, most visa and green card applications do not require English proficiency. However, with English designated as the official language, some changes could occur.
Possible impact:
- English proficiency could become a factor in some visa categories.
- Employers hiring foreign workers may prioritize English-speaking applicants.
- Immigration documents and forms may no longer be available in multiple languages.
3. Government Services and Support for Immigrants
Since Executive Order 13166 has been revoked, federal agencies are no longer required to provide language assistance. This could make it harder for non-English speakers to access public benefits, healthcare, and legal assistance.
Possible impact:
- Immigrants with limited English may face challenges navigating government services.
- Community organizations may need to step in to provide language support.
- Local and state governments may still offer multilingual services, but availability could vary.
What This Means for Immigrants
While this order does not immediately change immigration laws, it reinforces the role of English in civic life. Immigrants may need to prioritize learning English to:
✔ Navigate legal and government processes.
✔ Increase job opportunities.
✔ Prepare for eventual U.S. citizenship.
For those already working toward immigration or naturalization, staying informed about changes to language requirements and available resources is essential.
Conclusion
The new executive order makes English the official language of the U.S., but its impact on immigration remains uncertain. While it does not eliminate multilingual services, it shifts the responsibility to federal agencies, which may lead to fewer resources for non-English speakers.
If you’re an immigrant or planning to move to the U.S., learning English is more important than ever.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Citation
We Can Help!
If you have questions about U.S. immigration law, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
