LULAC CONDEMNS PRESIDENT TRUMP'S PLANNED EXECUTIVE ORDER DECLARING ENGLISH THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE U.S.

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says English-Plus Includes All Communities and Strengthens America

Washington, D.C. – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) strongly condemns President Donald Trump's planned executive order declaring English the official language of the United States. This unprecedented action directly contradicts the founding principles of our nation. It marginalizes millions of Americans who are contributing to the country's cultural and economic strength.

"Our Founding Fathers enshrined freedom of speech in the First Amendment without limiting it to one language. They envisioned a nation where diversity of thought, culture, and expression would be its greatest strength. Declaring English as the only official language directly contradicts that vision. America thrives when we embrace inclusivity, not when we silence the voices of millions who contribute to its success," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President & Chairman of the Board.

Research shows that bilingual individuals have up to a 35% increase in job opportunities, with businesses in the U.S. losing over $2 billion annually due to language and cultural misunderstandings. Also, the administration's move to limit multilingual access will harm millions of hardworking taxpayers who contribute to society and rely on access to government services in a language they understand.

"America is stronger when we embrace multilingualism. Over 350 languages are spoken in the U.S., expanding our global influence in trade, diplomacy, and business. Bilingual and multilingual individuals give our economy a competitive edge and strengthen our communities. Limiting language access is not just exclusionary—it harms our future. We must uplift, not restrict, the diversity that has made this nation a global leader," added Palomares.

LULAC has long championed English learning and pioneered programs like the "School of 400," a historic initiative to help Spanish-speaking children learn 400 essential English words before entering school. This program inspired the federal Head Start program, ensuring all children had access to early childhood education. LULAC's commitment to English education has always gone hand in hand with the understanding that bilingualism is an asset, not a hindrance.

Multilingualism enhances memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity, improving students' academic performance. Also, researchers found that actively using more than one language regularly provides cognitive benefits and reduces the risk of dementia in older adults. These findings reinforce that multilingualism is an economic and educational asset and a public health advantage.

"LULAC calls on all Americans to stand against policies that seek to divide us by language—declaring English as the only official language ignores our nation's rich history and weakens our future. Contact your representatives, raise your voice, and defend the multilingual fabric that makes America exceptional. This is about inclusion, opportunity, and unity—let's move forward together, not backward," urged Palomares.

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.