A recent memo acquired by the Post indicates that the Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUD) will adopt English as the sole language for nearly all of its services and operations.
The assistant secretary of HUD prepared a memo, expected to be released Monday, which instructs departmental leaders about this shift to designate English as the official language of the U.S. This is part of an initiative stemming from President Trump’s executive order issued in March.
“We are one unified entity, communicating in one voice and one language to achieve our mission of expanding affordable housing, aiding those in need, protecting our most vulnerable citizens, and revitalizing urban, rural, and tribal communities,” the memo states.
However, there will still be instances where other languages can be utilized to comply with legal obligations within HUD services. For example, necessary accommodations might be made under the Disability Act or provisions related to the Violence Against Women Act, where language needs might vary based on individual circumstances.
The memo highlights that while HUD prioritizes English, it remains committed to ensuring meaningful access to its programs and services. The assistant secretary emphasized that the department will still provide necessary communication services for individuals with hearing impairments or related disabilities.
Despite these exceptions, HUD is poised to transition to an English-only model for all its services. Previous administrations had made efforts to support non-English speakers, particularly low-income legal immigrants struggling with the language.
Before this new direction, HUD claimed to accommodate speakers of over 222 languages, offering interpretation services for those not proficient in English.
In 2001, former President Bill Clinton enacted measures aimed at improving access to government services for those with limited English proficiency, a directive that has now been rescinded by Trump’s executive order, which stated, “This order does not mandate changes in the services provided by any institution.”
Following the Department of Justice’s guidance, HUD concluded that eliminating other language options was the best way to align with Trump’s directive.
The new changes are slated to be enacted “immediately.” HUD plans to gradually eliminate translated materials, a process described by the assistant secretary as “continuous and repetitive,” with more details available on its website.
“All communications, both digital and print, will now be exclusively in English, with non-English translation services no longer offered,” the memo notes.
Additionally, HUD will remove any non-English printed or digital materials from its offices or facilities funded by HUD, replacing them with English-only versions.
The department is also set to review agreements related to English translation services.
Last month, the DOJ provided guidance on how to implement Trump’s executive orders across federal agencies. They expect to issue updated guidance in about six months, allowing time to assess whether public feedback necessitates further changes.
