H.R. 1772: Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025
Sponsor
Robert Aderholt
Republican · AL
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Mar 3, 2025
Referred to Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Why it matters
Supporters will see this as a national-cohesion measure and a way to standardize naturalization expectations, especially because the bill explicitly says English-language requirements and workplace policies are presumptively consistent with federal law. Critics will read that same language as an invitation to narrow multilingual access, chill translation practices, and make life harder for immigrants and limited-English-proficient communities dealing with federal agencies, employers, and the citizenship process. If enacted, the biggest practical shift would be less about everyday speech and more about how agencies write rules, how courts interpret English legal text, and how rigidly English proficiency is tested for naturalization.
H.R. 1772 Common Questions
How much time would DHS have to create new English tests for citizenship under HR 1772?
The Secretary of Homeland Security would have 180 days after enactment to issue a proposed rule for public notice and comment, according to HR 1772 Section 5.
What documents would immigrants have to read in English for naturalization under the Official Language Act of 2025?
Under the Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025 (Section 5), applicants must be able to read and understand the English text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and U.S. laws.
Can asylum seekers get an exception to the new English naturalization test in HR 1772?
Yes. Under HR 1772 Section 5, exceptions are limited to extraordinary circumstances, specifically citing asylum.
Does HR 1772 say English-only workplace policies are legal?
It says English language requirements and workplace policies in public and private sectors are presumptively consistent with U.S. law, under the Act's Section 4.
Can private employers require English at work under the Official Language Act of 2025?
Yes, the bill says English language requirements and workplace policies in the private sector are presumptively consistent with federal law, according to Section 4.
When would the federal official English rules take effect under HR 1772?
The amendments making English the official language and setting the construction rule take effect 180 days after enactment under HR 1772 Section 6.
Does HR 1772 let states keep their own official language laws?
Yes. The bill recognizes states' power to establish English as an official language and promote English, subject to federal and state constitutional limits, under Section 2.
What are courts supposed to use to interpret ambiguous English text in federal laws under HR 1772?
According to HR 1772 Section 4, ambiguities must be resolved consistent with the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to protect retained rights and reserved powers.
Does the Official Language Act of 2025 change the U.S. Code?
Yes. Under Sections 3 and 4, it adds a new Chapter 6 on Official Language to Title 4 and a new Section 9 to Chapter 1 of Title 1.
Which executive order does HR 1772 cite about English as the official language?
Section 2 cites President Donald J. Trump's March 1, 2025 executive order titled "Designating English as the Official Language of The United States."
Based on H.R. 1772 bill text
HR1772 Legislative Journey
Committee Action
Mar 3, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
About the Sponsor
Robert Aderholt
Republican, Alabama's 4th congressional district · 29 years in Congress
Committees: Appropriations
View full profile →
Cosponsors (17)
All 17 cosponsors are Republicans. Cosponsors represent 10 states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, and 7 more.
Ralph Norman
Republican · SC
Diana Harshbarger
Republican · TN
Sam Graves
Republican · MO
Abraham Hamadeh
Republican · AZ
Paul Gosar
Republican · AZ
Dale Strong
Republican · AL
Barry Moore
Republican · AL
Mike Rogers
Republican · AL
Gary Palmer
Republican · AL
Mary Miller
Republican · IL
Neal Dunn
Republican · FL
Brian Jack
Republican · GA
H.R. 1772 Quick Facts
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Government Operations and Politics
- Introduced
- Mar 3, 2025
Referred to Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Mar 3, 2025
Constituent Resources
Official Sources
The March 1, 2025 executive order that HR 1772 Section 2 explicitly cites as a finding, which designated English as the official language by executive action.
Current English language testing requirements for naturalization that HR 1772 Section 5 would replace with a new uniform test within 180 days.
Current age-based and disability exceptions to the English test; HR 1772 would narrow exceptions to extraordinary circumstances like asylum.
The bill adds a new Chapter 6 on Official Language to this title under Section 3.
The bill adds a new Section 9 to this chapter establishing general rules of construction for English-language legal texts under Section 4.
IDEA is specifically exempted from the bill's official-language requirements, preserving multilingual protections for students with disabilities.
One of the two committees to which HR 1772 was referred for consideration.
The Ninth and Tenth Amendments are the interpretive backstop in Section 4 — ambiguities in English legal text must be resolved to protect retained rights and reserved powers.
H.R. 1772 Bill Text
“To declare English as the official language of the United States, to establish a uniform English language rule for naturalization, and to avoid misconstructions of the English language texts of the laws of the United States, pursuant to Congress’ powers to provide for the general welfare of the United States and to establish a uniform rule of naturalization under article I, section 8, of the Constitution.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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