A Vietnamese Refugee's Journey, the Power of English, and the Path to American Identity

Following the fall of Saigon in 1975, a significant wave of South Vietnamese refugees sought refuge in the United States. Initially, around 125,000 individuals were airlifted, with an additional 800,000 fleeing in the subsequent years. Many of these refugees ultimately settled in the U.S., and as of 2017, Vietnamese-Americans constituted approximately 3% of the nation's immigrant population, ranking as the sixth-largest foreign-born group.

Upon arriving in the United States, many refugees faced the challenge of a language barrier, which complicated their efforts to build new lives in a new country. My family, having escaped the communist Vietcong, was among the fortunate South Vietnamese families who received the opportunity to begin anew in America. We remain deeply grateful for the generosity of the U.S.

However, like many others, we encountered complex systems, unfamiliar schools, and an employment market that demanded English proficiency. To integrate into American culture and pursue citizenship, mastering the English language was essential for fostering a sense of belonging, unity, and a shared American identity.

Unfortunately, some recent immigrant groups have not prioritized English proficiency to the same extent. Recent research indicates that a substantial percentage of illegal aliens have limited English proficiency. Action is needed to address this, and President Donald Trump is taking steps to ensure it.

On March 1, 2025, Trump issued Executive Order 14224, "Designating English as the Official Language of the United States." While the U.S. has not formally declared English its official language at the federal level, its role as the de facto language of government, education, and commerce provides a necessary structure. Designating an official language is not exclusionary but rather empowering for new immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity. Learning English facilitates connections with neighbors and cultivates a sense of national pride.

This executive order focuses on analyzing the cost value of language services in the federal government. The designation of an official language is critical in re-establishing bonds as Americans, especially in a politically and socially divided society. Further steps should be taken at the state and local levels, particularly in workplaces and educational institutions, to ensure the order's spirit is realized where it matters most.

Language policy is about more than just words; it's about opening channels of communication and creating a path to becoming an American. For refugees like my family and many others from South Vietnam, it's about survival, dignity, and the chance to start again. In a new and complex world, knowing the language of your new home is not just helpful, it's liberating. I commend President Trump for his efforts to build unity, a collective national identity, and open doors for everyone to identify as Americans.