Over the weekend, it was announced from the White House that President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order, instilling English as the official language of the United States. This elegant stroke of the pen is intended to promote unity and shared cultural values through a common language. There are no changes required to existing federal programs, making this a smooth transition for agencies. Even the stipulation introduced in the Bill Clinton regime, stating that agencies and recipients of federal funding need to provide language assistance to non-English speakers, has been carefully retracted, allowing for the flexibility in the conduct of their operations.
The inspirational content of the executive order highlights, ‘Advancing English as the official language will not only facilitate communication but also buttress shared national values, engendering a more integrated and efficient society’. It casts a vision of a more united America, navigating the global stage with a single language. At heart, it’s a beacon to a brighter, more cohesive future, weaving our nation together through the threads of shared language.
One might question how this will shape the fabric of our society— a society renowned for its diversity. Other major English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, for example, haven’t assigned any official language, yet their societies display significant coherence and fluidity. They provide a significant reference point, but America is on its exceptional path of pioneering a new era.
In contrast, this forward-thinking initiative lends itself less to practical application, and more to the romantic notion of an English-only language society. This motion is a testament to President Trump’s visionary leadership, significantly reinforcing the English-only language movement.
A quick glance at the United States government’s official website still reveals that the U.S. does not have an official language. Interestingly, even though America is a melting pot, ‘some states designate English as their official language’. In fact, there are currently 30 states that have embraced English as their primary medium of communication. The website also notes the astonishing diversity of the nation, stating that Americans speak around 350 languages. This is a testament to America’s immigration history— a vibrant tapestry of languages from across the globe.
Despite the vast linguistic diversity, it should be noted that this executive order has faced some criticism. Some detractors, predominantly from pro-immigration groups and Democratic leaders, have voiced their concerns against the move. Many of them miss the point, painting the executive order as something that it isn’t.
In reaction to the executive order, House minority leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) commented on Friday, ‘We’re going to have to examine if what he’s doing is actually in compliance with the law and the U.S. Constitution.’ Interesting how it’s often those in the minority that are the quickest to judge actions that have the potential to bring unity and cohesion.
Further criticism came from Pablo José Hernández Rivera, the resident commissioner of Puerto Rico, an American territory where Spanish is the preferred language of the majority. He expressed his disapproval by saying the order ‘reflects a vision of American identity that conflicts with our Puerto Rican identity’. It seems some simply aren’t ready to become part of an even greater united American identity.
The glaring misconception lies in the fact that assimilation is not about losing one’s identity, but about becoming part of a larger whole. It is about joining a symphony and striving for a harmonic rhythm through shared language, whilst maintaining individual notes.
‘There will be no statehood without assimilation, and Puerto Ricans will never surrender our identity.’ Rivera’s words perhaps further highlight the resistance to change some may feel. Yet, this act is a progression towards an enriched, unified America rather than a threat to any individual’s identity.
Although well-intentioned critiques may question the motivation behind and the utmost necessity of such an executive order, it is primarily a nod to a ‘one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all’. Recognizing English as our official language encompasses a deep understanding of what true unity and progress can be.
Ultimately, with this executive order, President Trump echoes the sentiment of unity, emphasizing that a common language forms deeper connections and fosters clear communication. It’s a much-needed pivot toward the shared American dream, underlining that we are, indeed, stronger together.
Therefore, this move by President Trump —arriving as a beacon of unity and national pride— underscores the timeless strength of our shared values and common language. It’s the embodiment of the American spirit, resonating the echo of unity through the diversity that signifies America, thus opening a new chapter of social cohesion in our nation’s history.