S. 542 — English Language Unity Act of 2025

This section declares congressional findings on (1) the diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of U.S. individuals; (2) the English language as a historical unifying factor among citizens of differing backgrounds; and (3) states' reserved authority to establish English as their official language and promote its use, subject to constitutional and state law prohibitions.

This section amends Title 4, United States Code, by adding a new chapter 6 (ss. 161-166) designating English as the official language of the United States. Specifically, the chapter (1) requires federal government representatives to preserve and enhance the role of English, including by encouraging individuals to learn it; (2) mandates that official government functions—defined as those that bind the government, are required by law, or are subject to public scrutiny—be conducted in English, applying to all laws, proceedings, regulations, publications, orders, actions, programs, and policies (with exceptions for language teaching, services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, national security or public safety needs, census activities, criminal proceedings, and use of non-English terms of art); (3) establishes a uniform English language requirement for naturalization, stating that citizens should be able to read and understand the English text of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and U.S. laws, and requiring naturalization ceremonies to be conducted in English; (4) includes rules of construction preserving unofficial use of other languages by federal personnel, Native American and Alaskan languages, and constitutional consistency; and (5) provides standing for civil actions to enforce the chapter. The section also makes a conforming amendment to the table of chapters for Title 4.

This section establishes a new section 9 in chapter 1 of title 1, United States Code, setting general rules of construction for U.S. laws. The new section provides that (1) English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, are presumptively consistent with U.S. laws; and (2) any ambiguity in the English language text of U.S. laws is to be resolved in accordance with the Ninth and Tenth Amendments by not denying or disparaging rights retained by the people and by reserving powers to the states or the people, respectively.

This section directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, not later than 180 days after enactment, to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule establishing uniform testing of English language ability for naturalization candidates. The rule must be based on the principles that (1) all U.S. citizens should generally be able to read and understand the English text of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and U.S. laws made pursuant thereto; and (2) exceptions to that standard be limited to extraordinary circumstances.