The Trump administration has officially cut ties with translation services for immigrants trying to navigate the complex government system, forcing them to communicate in English only.
At a Glance
- Trump administration cancels $587,000 translation contract for immigration services
- Government employees instructed to end calls with non-English speakers
- Policy stems from March 1 executive order making English the official U.S. language
- Critics warn of potential immigration status errors and wrongful denial of benefits
America First Language Policy Takes Effect
In a significant move that’s already sending shockwaves through immigrant communities, the Trump administration has directed the Department of Homeland Security to terminate translation services for individuals seeking information about immigration, employment status, or benefits. This decisive action follows President Trump’s March 1 executive order officially designating English as the national language of the United States, a campaign promise now being implemented across federal agencies with remarkable efficiency.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has canceled a contract with Legal Interpreting Services, Inc. that was previously providing language assistance to non-English speakers. The contract, which had already cost taxpayers $422,000 since 2022, was set to run until at least November with a potential extension into 2026, totaling up to $587,000. USCIS employees have now received instructions to terminate calls if they aren’t fluent in the caller’s language, and are forbidden from using third-party translation services or transferring calls to colleagues who might speak the required language.
One Nation, One Language
President Trump’s executive order emphasizes the foundational importance of having a unified national language, a concept that has deep historical precedent in successful nations worldwide. The executive order states clearly that “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.” This common-sense approach recognizes that functional societies require common communication standards.
“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
The policy shift directly impacts programs like E-Verify and the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE), which are critical for verifying employment eligibility and immigration status. The comprehensive contract review conducted by USCIS represents one of several measures aimed at streamlining government operations and realigning immigration policies with the administration’s priorities. Formal detailed guidelines regarding the implementation of this directive are expected to be issued in the coming weeks.
Economic and Cultural Benefits
Beyond the immediate operational changes, the Trump administration’s approach emphasizes the long-term benefits of English proficiency for immigrants themselves. The president has repeatedly stressed that English language skills are essential for newcomers to fully participate in American society and achieve economic success. Learning the national language is portrayed not as a burden but as a pathway to greater opportunity and cultural integration.
“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
While immigrant advocacy organizations have predictably criticized the move, many Americans who’ve watched government services increasingly catering to non-English speakers at taxpayer expense welcome the return to traditional expectations. The larger contract with Legal Interpreting Services, valued at approximately $3.6 million with potential spending up to $13.5 million, has been utilized by various departments including FEMA for hurricane victims and USCIS for its asylum division. Whether these additional translation services will also be terminated remains unclear.
Critics Voice Concerns
Immigration advocates have voiced predictable opposition to the policy change, warning that non-English speakers might face difficulties correcting errors in their immigration status records. Adriel Orozco, a prominent critic of the policy, claims the lack of translation assistance could result in wrongful denial of benefits or employment termination. However, the administration appears committed to its position that establishing English as the nation’s official language serves the greater national interest.
“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.” – Adriel Orozco
The new language policy forms part of a broader strategy addressing immigration and national identity. With Joseph Edlow nominated to lead USCIS and Kika Scott serving as interim head, the agency appears poised for significant operational changes in the coming months. USCIS has not provided official comments on the decision, although the administration’s executive order and subsequent actions speak volumes about its commitment to establishing English as America’s standardized language for official functions.
