H.R. 1862: English Language Unity Act of 2025

This bill, known as the English Language Unity Act of 2025, proposes several key changes related to the status and use of the English language in the United States. The main provisions of the bill can be summarized as follows:

1. Official Language Designation

The bill declares English as the official language of the United States. This means that all official functions of the federal government must be conducted in English. The intention is to preserve and enhance the role of English in government operations.

2. Naturalization Requirements

All individuals applying for naturalization to become U.S. citizens must demonstrate the ability to read and understand English, specifically being able to comprehend the English texts of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and related laws. Furthermore, all naturalization ceremonies are required to be conducted in English.

3. Compliance in Government Functions

All official functions of the government—including laws, public proceedings, regulations, publications, orders, actions, programs, and policies—must be in English. However, there are exceptions: this requirement does not apply to:

• The teaching of languages;
• Requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
• Actions necessary for national security, international relations, trade, tourism, or commerce;
• Actions that protect public health and safety;
• Documents that facilitate census activities;
• Actions that protect the rights of crime victims or defendants;
• Using non-English terms of art.

4. Clarification on Language Use

The bill also includes rules stating that English language requirements in workplace policies—public or private—are presumed to be consistent with U.S. law. Any ambiguity in English language texts of U.S. laws would need to be interpreted in a way that does not deny the rights retained by the people or the powers reserved to the states.

5. Implementation Timeline

The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with creating regulations for uniform testing of English language abilities for naturalization candidates within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This aims to standardize the process of assessing English comprehension among those seeking citizenship.

6. National English Language Day

The legislation establishes a National English Language Day, to be recognized by a proclamation from the President, acknowledging the importance of the English language in the United States.

7. Effective Date

The amendments outlined in this bill would take effect 180 days after the bill is signed into law.

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