The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is moving to make English the sole language for nearly all of its services and operations, New York Post reported quoting an internal memo.HUD Deputy Secretary Andrew Hughes wrote that the policy shift follows President Trump’s March executive order declaring English the official language of the United States. The memo, to be sent Monday, instructs HUD leadership to begin implementing the changes immediately.“We are one people, united, and we will speak with one voice and one language to deliver on our mission of expanding housing that is affordable, helping those in need, caring for our most vulnerable Americans, and revitalizing rural, tribal, and urban communities,” the memo read. The policy does include limited exceptions. HUD will still provide translation services in cases required by law, such as under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Violence Against Women Act. The department will also continue to provide accommodations for people who are hearing- or vision-impaired.“HUD will continue to ensure that all persons have meaningful access to HUD programs and services,” Hughes stressed, adding that the department also “will continue to provide communication services to the hearing and seeing impaired, and persons with related disabilities.”Until now, HUD supported translation into more than 200 languages and even operated a dedicated interpretation line for immigrants with limited English proficiency. That approach began under President Bill Clinton in 2001, who signed an executive order to expand language access to federal services.Trump’s executive order revoked Clinton’s directive and HUD officials say rolling back translation services will cut costs. It noted that “nothing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency.”Hughes directed that all non-English materials be removed from HUD offices and websites and replaced with English-only versions. The new changes at department are set to be “effective immediately”. “All HUD communications, correspondence, and physical and digital published materials will be produced exclusively in English and that we will no longer offer non-English translation services,” Hughes’ memo states.“Additionally, please immediately remove all printed or digital collateral about non-English translation services currently displayed in HUD offices or HUD-funded facilities. Printed or digital collateral not in English can be replaced with an English-only version.”The justice department issued guidance to all federal agencies last month on implementing Trump’s executive order. It plans to release updated instructions in about six months, along with a public comment period to consider possible revisions.
