President Donald Trump is prioritizing English over Spanish – and he doesn’t care if a language barrier prevent more immigrants arriving on the border. President Trump’s latest executive order shuts down translation services for immigrants, and its ramifications could be huge.
At a glance:
• Trump administration cancels $587,000 translation service contract at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• USCIS employees instructed to end calls with non-English speakers rather than use translation services
• Change affects programs like E-Verify and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements
• Move follows March 1 Executive Order making English the official language of the United States
• Immigrant advocates worry about potential errors in immigration status and denial of benefits
Trump Administration Prioritizes English as Official Language
The Department of Homeland Security will no longer provide translation services for immigrants seeking assistance with employment status or benefits questions. This decisive action follows President Trump’s March 1 Executive Order declaring English the official language of the United States.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is canceling its contract with Legal Interpreting Services, Inc., which has cost taxpayers $422,000 since 2022. The contract was originally set to last until at least November with an option to extend into 2026.
USCIS employees have received clear instructions regarding the new policy. Staff members must end calls if they are not fluent in the caller’s language and are prohibited from using third-party translation services or transferring calls to other employees.
The change impacts several important immigration verification programs. These include E-Verify, which helps employers confirm work eligibility, and the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program used to verify immigration status for benefits.
Promoting American Unity Through Language
President Trump emphasized the importance of a shared language in his Executive Order.
“A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language,” Trump stated.
It’s unifying, but Democrats will say it’s the opposite…
The President further explained the benefits of English proficiency for immigrants. “Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society,” Trump said.
Correct!
USCIS is conducting a comprehensive review of contracts as part of the administration’s broader efforts to streamline government operations. The translation contract termination is just one result of this thorough evaluation of government spending priorities.
Concerns From Immigration Advocates
Some immigration advocates have raised concerns about the policy change, however. Adriel Orozco, an immigrant rights advocate, expressed worry about potential consequences.
“Lack of interpretation services will only make it harder for many workers and families whose dominant language is not English from being able to correct immigration status errors in these databases,” Orozco said. “This risks people being wrongly denied benefits or being unfairly terminated from their jobs.”
What do you think?
