'Reinforce shared national values': Donald Trump makes English official language, signs executive order
PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump has signed a key executive order while designating English as official language of the country.
The order allows government agencies and organisations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue to offer documents and services in a language other than English. It overturns a directive issued by former President Bill Clinton, which required the government and federally funded organizations to offer language assistance to individuals who do not speak English.
"Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society," according to the order.
"In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the United States a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream," the order also states.
"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."
More than 30 states have already passed laws designating English as their official language, according to U.S. English, a group that advocates for making English the official language in the United States.
- PTC NEWS
