Senator JD Vance has criticized U.S. hospitals for providing translators for non-English speaking patients, stating at a Fox News town hall that individuals should learn to speak English. Vance made the comments on Thursday night in response to a question about how to preserve the nation's identity amid significant immigration.
He recounted an experience in an emergency room where, he said, nine translators for different languages were present while he was concerned about his son's medical condition. "I’m just thinking to myself: How about if everyone spoke English and we could hire more doctors and less translators in our country?" Vance said, according to footage shared by The Blaze.
Vance further articulated his view by stating, "If you want to become an American, then become an American — Learn our language, learn our culture, learn our values, assimilate into American culture. That is the BARE MINIMUM that we expect of a newcomer."
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, over 8% of the U.S. population, approximately 25 million Americans, have limited English proficiency. Studies indicate that accessible medical interpreter services can enhance patient care quality, reduce health disparities, and decrease medical errors.
The senator's remarks echo sentiments from the Trump administration's "America First" agenda. Former President Donald Trump previously declared English as the "official" language via executive order and revoked a 2000 executive order that had aimed to expand access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency. Experts suggest it can take five to eight years for a person to become fluent in a new language.
Currently, the U.S. does not have an official language at the federal level. While English proficiency is required for U.S. citizenship, exceptions exist, particularly for older applicants.