A new analysis by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation quantifies the potential impact of President Donald J. Trump's executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. According to the study, the order could jeopardize access to essential government services for millions of Americans with limited English proficiency.

More than 25 million people in the United States speak English "less than very well." This includes citizens, legal residents, refugees, and long-term immigrants who navigate their daily lives in languages other than English. The KFF analysis finds that many may now find it significantly harder to access health care, apply for benefits, receive public safety information, or even understand their rights.

Rescinding Longstanding Language Protections

The executive order, signed in April, rescinded a Clinton-era policy that required federal agencies to provide language assistance. That guidance, in place since 2000, helped ensure that everything from immigration court proceedings to Medicaid enrollment materials were accessible to non-English speakers.

Trump's order, and the supporting guidance issued by Attorney General Bondi, removed that requirement, giving agencies discretion to scale back or eliminate translation and interpretation services. "Language barriers already limit access to medical care and public benefits," the KFF analysis warned. "Reducing language support could deepen inequities and worsen health outcomes for millions."

A Symbolic Move with Tangible Consequences

While the White House described the move as symbolic, Trump adviser Stephen Miller told Fox News it would "promote national unity and integration." Language access advocates say the stakes are real and urgent.

"It definitely is sending the message that federal agencies and others no longer have to provide language assistance," said Marita Etcubañez, senior director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice. "It might not be immediate, but I don't think we should wait around and see."

Some agencies have already removed language-access resources from their websites, according to NPR. Advocates fear this is only the start of a broader rollback.

Millions Left Vulnerable

Jacob Hofstetter, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, explained that while the order doesn't ban translation outright, it revokes the legal foundation that made language access widespread. "Declaring English the official language of the country is definitely a symbolic act," he said. "However, there are very concrete and what will be very tangible changes to federal language access policy."

The KFF analysis shows those changes are likely to hit hardest among immigrants, older adults, and communities of color. Federal data shows that limited-English speakers are more likely to be uninsured, less likely to receive preventive care, and more vulnerable to misinformation in emergencies. Without access to interpreters or translated materials, these risks could worsen.

Ben Karl, spokesperson for the American Translators Association, said the order sends a chilling message. "Folks who don't speak English well are a vital part of the fabric of American society," he said. "We fear that they will feel less included because of this."

Communities Already Feeling the Impact

In Southeast Texas, where Hispanic and Vietnamese communities represent a significant share of the population, local leaders say the fear is already real. "It hurts," said Elida Castillo, a community organizer in Beaumont, in an interview with 12NewsNow. "It's like we're being told we don't belong here."

Though 30 states already have some form of English language legislation, Trump's order marked the first time such a policy has been enacted at the federal level. It came amid broader efforts by the administration to restrict immigration, including plans to carry out mass deportations and end birthright citizenship.

Legal Questions and an Uncertain Future

Critics argue the order is part of a larger exclusionary agenda. "It's another way to exclude people," said Etcubañez. "To make them feel like this country is not theirs."

Civil rights groups are considering legal challenges, possibly under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin. In Lau v. Nichols (1974), the U.S. Supreme Court held that denying meaningful access to education for students with limited English proficiency constitutes national origin discrimination. This precedent has long been the legal foundation for federal language access requirements.

For now, much depends on how individual agencies respond to the order. But in homes, clinics, courtrooms, and classrooms across the country, the impact is already being felt.

"We kind of feel like we're in this holding pattern," said Karl. "We're holding our breath."

For entities that receive federal funding, such as most hospitals and schools, the executive order does not change existing language-access obligations under Title VI, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); those requirements remain in effect and enforceable. However, the order has created considerable confusion.

If You're Concerned

For the more than 25 million Americans who speak English less than very well, the consequences of this order may be life-altering.

We're currently awaiting the release of new DOJ Guidance on language access, as referenced in the Bondi memo. Once the public comment period opens, individuals and organizations will have the opportunity to share input. We'll share details and a direct link for submitting comments as soon as it's announced.

In the meantime, you can support H.R. 4206, the CONNECT Act of 2025, which includes provisions from the SPEAK Act. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on best practices for telehealth services for people with limited English proficiency, including using interpreters, providing accessible instructions, and enabling multi-person video calls.