Following President Donald Trump's recent executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) has introduced the “Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025” to ensure this policy becomes permanent federal law. This bill seeks to establish a uniform English language rule for naturalization and provide clarity in the interpretation of U.S. laws.
“America has always been a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and languages,” said Congressman Aderholt. “However, throughout our history, English has remained the common thread uniting us as one nation. By designating English as the official language of the United States, we are reinforcing our commitment to a shared national identity and ensuring clear and effective communication across all levels of government.”
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States. While this was a crucial step, an executive order can be reversed by a future president. President Trump has urged Congress to introduce legislation to make this policy permanent. The Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025 will codify this policy into federal law, ensuring that the official language status of English remains permanent and cannot be undone by future administrations.
The Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025includes several key provisions:
Declaring English as the official language of the United States.
Requiring that all official government functions be conducted in English, with reasonable exceptions for national security, public health, and other essential matters.
Establishing a uniform English language requirement for naturalization, ensuring that new citizens have the ability to read and understand foundational American texts, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop standardized English proficiency testing for naturalization applicants.
This legislation acknowledges the diverse linguistic heritage of the nation while emphasizing the importance of a unifying language for civic engagement and governmental efficiency. Importantly, it does not prohibit the use or preservation of other languages in personal, cultural, or educational contexts.
“With this legislation, we are not seeking to diminish the rich cultural heritage of our nation, but rather to strengthen the unifying role of English in our democratic process,” Aderholt continued. “Ensuring that all citizens have a common means of communication helps foster greater civic participation and economic opportunity.”
The bill will now move to the House Committee for further discussion and consideration. Congressman Aderholt encourages his colleagues to support this initiative as a step toward greater national unity and effective governance.