CONTACT INFORMATION:
comms@ncapaonline.org
[***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***]
RELEASE DATE
March 3, 2025
NCAPA issued the following response to President Trump’s Executive Order designating English as the official language of the U.S. while also rolling back language access across the government:
President Trump’s exclusionary executive order threatens rights to language access, equity, and fundamental rights for millions of Americans. This policy ends longstanding legal protections by rescinding Executive Order 13166 – originally signed into law by President Bill Clinton – which required agencies to ensure that people, regardless of the language they speak, could meaningfully access critical services like healthcare, education, and legal assistance.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, among others, have some of the highest language access needs in the country. Stripping away requirements and leaving it to agencies will likely create additional barriers for millions of AANHPIs. Rather than promoting unity, it risks deepening divides and further marginalizing communities that have long contributed to the rich tapestry of American society.
NCAPA remains resolutely committed to advocating for policies that demand justice, inclusivity, and equal access. Our nation thrives when communities can access essential services and contribute to society in ways that honor their lived experiences and cultural needs.
NCAPA National Director Gregg Orton added: “Many Americans recognize the all-too-common attacks on immigrants being told to ‘go back to your own country,’ or ‘speak English’ as racism. The only difference here is that it comes in the form of a presidential decree. This executive order does far more than simply designate English as the official language of the country, as threatening language access will limit economic opportunity for millions of Americans.”
Based in Washington, D.C., the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans is a coalition of 44 national Asian Pacific American organizations. We represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities and provide a national voice for our communities’ concerns.