Will an 'English First' policy unite or divide America?

Supporters see the move as sound; critics see it as divisive, racist and unnecessary

- Bhagyashree Garekar

WASHINGTON - No English, no problem. In America, taxpayers can file their returns in forms that are offered in 20 languages, from Arabic to Chinese to Polish.

In the District of Columbia, the knowledge test for a driving licence can be taken in Korean, Vietnamese and simplified Chinese, among at least seven languages.

This is the multilingual America that President Donald Trump is trying to reshape into a cohesive whole that derives its sense of oneness from speaking a single language - English.

With an executive order on March 1, Mr Trump designated English as America's only official language.

The move revoked a Clinton-era directive that had sought to improve access to federal programmes for people not yet proficient in English. Agencies will still have the flexibility to offer non-English services, but are no longer required to do so.

"Since our nation's founding, English has been the language of our nation, with historic documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution written in English," said a White House fact sheet laying out the rationale for the order.

"A national language strengthens the fabric of our society, empowering citizens old and new."

It framed English as a critical element for immigrant success, stating that the language opens doors to greater opportunities and helps newcomers achieve the American Dream.

Additionally, the White House argued that over 30 of the 50 states - including the heavily Democratic California - already recognise English as their official language, positioning the federal move as a natural step.

To supporters, the logic behind Mr Trump's move seemed sound, but critics saw it as divisive and even racist. And mostly, unnecessary.