Leading Language Organizations Oppose Executive Order 14224, Warn of Potential Consequences

Six major organizations from the language services sector in the United States have issued a joint statement opposing President Trump’s recent Executive Order 14224, which designates English as the official language of the U.S. and revokes Executive Order 13166. The revoked order, in place since 2000, had been a crucial safeguard ensuring access to federal, state, and local services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) individuals, as protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The coalition of organizations encompassing nearly 28,000 language professionals warns that Executive Order 14224 undermines civil rights and creates significant barriers for millions of residents who rely on language services in healthcare, the legal system, education, and business.

A Step Backward for Civil Rights

Approximately 25.7 million people in the U.S. are limited-English-proficient (LEP), and over 68 million use a language other than English at home. This linguistic diversity is a fundamental aspect of the nation’s identity. However, by revoking Executive Order 13166, the administration has weakened crucial protections, making it more difficult for individuals to access critical information about healthcare, legal rights, and public services.

Revoking language access protections does not unify the country—it excludes millions of Americans from essential services and undermines their ability to fully participate in society. Language diversity has always been a strength of the United States, and this decision is a step in the wrong direction.

Impact on Healthcare, Justice, and Education

The executive order’s repercussions are expected to be felt across multiple sectors:

• Healthcare: LEP individuals already face increased risks of medical errors due to language barriers. With the rollback of language access guidance, patients may struggle to receive accurate diagnoses and treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes.
• Legal System: Language access is essential for due process. Without it, LEP individuals may not understand their rights, face wrongful convictions, or struggle to navigate the legal system.
• Education: Approximately 5 million schoolchildren live in LEP households. Parental involvement in education is key to student success, but language barriers make it harder for families to engage with schools and advocate for their children.

Economic Consequences

Beyond civil rights concerns, restricting language access poses economic risks. Small businesses, many owned by immigrants and non-English speakers, rely on language services to comply with regulations, hire employees, and contribute to local economies. Additionally, industries that depend on a diverse workforce, such as manufacturing and healthcare, benefit from language inclusion. The removal of language access protections could hinder economic growth and limit opportunities for millions of workers and business owners.

Call to Action

The coalition urges the administration to rescind Executive Order 14224 and reaffirm its commitment to language access policies that protect civil rights and promote economic and social integration.

As language professionals, we will continue to advocate for the rights of LEP individuals and ensure they have access to the services they need. We encourage the public to join us in opposing this harmful executive order and to support policies that foster inclusivity and equal opportunity.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will be holding a public briefing, “Language Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency,” on Friday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. EDT at their offices in Washington, DC. This event is open to the public and translators and interpreters are encouraged to attend, either virtually or in person, in support of language access for LEP individuals.

Read the Statement

For more information or to schedule an interview with an ATA representative, please contact:
Adrian Aleckna
ATA Interim Executive Director
+1-703-683-6100 ext. 3019
adrian@atanet.org

About the Signatories

The joint statement was drafted by the following organizations:

American Translators Association (ATA)
American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE)
Association of Language Companies (ALC)
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

Together, these organizations are thousands strong and are dedicated to ensuring language access and linguistic diversity in the United States.

Read the Statement