FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2025
AAAFund Condemns President Trump's Executive Order Declaring English as the Official Language
Washington, D.C. - Today, The Asian American Action Fund (AAAFund) released a statement regarding President Trump's recent executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States.
“The United States has always been a multilingual democracy,” said Albert Shen, AAAFund national chair. “This executive order is nothing more than an attack on immigrants, communities of color, and working families. Our country has always thrived because of its diversity, and the AAPI community knows firsthand how essential language access is. This order is not about unity; it’s about exclusion. It’s about making life harder for millions of Americans simply because they speak another language at home.”
Shen continues saying: “The AAAFund calls upon Congress and all Americans to reject this policy and advocate for the preservation and expansion of language access services. Our nation's strength lies in its diversity, and we must ensure that all voices are heard and valued.”
Further Background on AAPI Populations in U.S.
Approximately 30.8% ([link removed]) of Asian American adults and 12.1% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults have limited English proficiency (LEP). For these individuals, language services are not a luxury—they are a lifeline.
Impact on Vital Services
By rescinding mandates that require federal agencies to provide language access, this executive order erects insurmountable barriers for LEP individuals. Consider the ramifications:
* Healthcare Access: LEP individuals already face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services. Removing language support exacerbates these disparities, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes and medical errors.
* Social Services: Seniors and others with limited English skills may struggle to access Social Security benefits, Medicare, and other critical services they have earned and depend upon.
* Voting Rights: Language access is essential for millions of naturalized citizens who want to exercise their right to vote. This executive order is a thinly-veiled voter suppression tactic aimed at silencing minority communities.
Demographic Realities Ignored
This policy is not only discriminatory but also woefully out of touch with America's demographic trajectory. The United States is steadily moving toward greater diversity, with projections indicating ([link removed](see%20Figure%201).) that by 2045, non-Hispanic whites will no longer constitute a majority. Embracing this diversity requires inclusive policies that ensure all citizens, regardless of language proficiency, can fully participate in our democracy.
** About the Asian American Action Fund
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The Asian American Action Fund works through a holistic approach of expanding the Democratically-aligned AANHPI voter base while helping the Democratic Party understand our political community. We recognize the need to build up local AANHPI support for Democrats, mature and finance the pipeline of AANHPI candidates, political operatives, and organizers, and elect Democratically-aligned AANHPIs and allies to federal office.
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