Did you know that fundamental language access rights (Title VI of the civil rights act) don’t only apply to U.S civilians with Limited English Proficiency (LEP individuals)? As a foreign language interpreter or translator working and living in the United States, you also have interpreter rights.

If English is not your native language and you have difficulty communicating effectively in the English language, you have the right to obtain the assistance of an English interpreter or translator so that you can have meaningful conversations that are mutually understandable.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that any person seeking services from government agencies or organizations funded by the U.S. government must be provided with assistance in their native language.

What Are Language Access Rights and Interpreter Rights?

Language access rights pertain to the language services that you’re entitled to as a non-English speaker or an individual with limited English proficiency.

These rights state that you have the right to a free interpreter and free translator to assist you with important processes and documentation.

Government agencies and organizations funded by the U.S. government cannot force anybody to provide their own interpreters (which include family members) or ask them to pay for the services of an interpreter or translator in case they provide the language access services.

When Can You Insist on Language Access Services?

You are entitled to language access services if you are a limited English proficient (LEP) applicant, and you must deal with any one of the following organizations, federal agencies, or institutions that receive federal financial assistance:

• Federal courts and any other official government organization
• State and local courts that are funded by the U.S. government
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Social Security Administration and other federal agencies
• Local and state government agencies funded by the U.S. government. These include social services, welfare, and unemployment offices.
• Legal services offices funded by the Legal Services Corporation or other legal agencies funded by the U.S. government
• U.S. government-funded police departments
• Hospitals and other health facilities funded by the U.S. government
• Schools and other educational institutions and community-based organizations that are funded by the U.S. government

How Does Language Access Help Immigrants?

Many immigrants in the United States are plagued by language issues and language barriers. And although local agencies try their best to integrate immigrants into the community with language assistance and equal access to these services, it is an ongoing struggle due to the communication gap.

Many newcomers to the United States strive to learn English because they know that it will open new doors of opportunity for them. And this rings true across almost every sector, including work, school, and community acceptance. Sadly, not all limited English proficient immigrants are aware of their civil rights issued to them by the United States Government under Title VI.

Individuals with limited English skills might shy away from the local community because they have a hard time communicating with others. This can impact their physical and emotional health too.

Their limited English skills prevent them from realizing their dream of building a better life in the United States, which is the main reason why most of them decided to move to the U.S. in the first place.

Thanks to language access rights, the situation is slowly being addressed. Local communities are creating programs to help narrow the language gap, and existing laws on language access, specifically in healthcare, are assisting immigrants to feel like they belong in their new homes.

Advocating The Rights of Foreign Linguists in the U.S.

Here at Day Interpreting, we’re not only passionate about language but about the linguists that make it their life’s work to help connect the world through language as well. Our interpreting roles are open for all nationalities, and by offering immigrants an employment opportunity, we’re hoping to help narrow down the language gap even further. If you’re a foreign translator or interpreter living in the United States and in need of language access assistance, get in touch with our team right now!

Seldean Smith

Seldean is a multi-skilled content wizard that dedicates herself to writing content that goes beyond merely sparking interest in the audience.