Following in the footsteps of notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, Representative Louie Gohmert (Republican, Texas) introduced the English Language Unity Act of 2021 to the 117th Congress proposing English be adopted as the official Language of the United States. Since the US does not have one, pressure to declare an official language is not a new concept. Yet, it remains a topic of debate year after year. 

An estimated 350 languages are spoken throughout the USA, with English being the naturally more prominent one understood by most of the population. Those who favor declaring it the nation’s official language believe that it would help to promote unity and protect English as the majority language within the country. Proponents also believe that having an official language would help non-native immigrants better assimilate into American society. 

Those who oppose adopting English as the official language argue that the decision should ultimately be left up to the individual states, currently half of which have declarations in place. Believing in the potential of discrimination against non-English speakers, they also argue that establishing a national language would be at odds with the ideals America was founded upon. 

178 countries throughout the world have an official language in place. The question for debate, should the United States declare English as the official language?