Language Access in the Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes the importance of being able to communicate effectively with individuals, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), across our many missions and functions. The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) leads the Department's efforts, through policy, to provide meaningful access for LEP individuals in its programs, activities, services, and operations.

A limited English proficient (LEP) person is one who does not speak English as their primary language, and has a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 21 percent of the U.S. population speaks a language other than English. Of that percentage, more than 40 percent speak English less than "very well." An individual who reports speaking English less than very well is considered to be limited English proficient.

Please let us know if you have trouble understanding English or need help communicating with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Ask for an interpreter or if translated material is available when you contact us. If you can, please tell us your language (or dialect). You may contact us by phone: Toll Free: 1-866-644-8360 and Toll Free TTY: 1-866-644-8361 or email: crcl@hq.dhs.gov.

DHS Language Access Plan

The Department has published a plan for providing meaningful access to homeland security programs and activities to people with LEP.  This Language Access Plan establishes a system within DHS to implement Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (PDF, 4 pages, 321 KB) (August 11, 2000).

• Secretary's Letter on the DHS Language Access Plan (English)
  • Secretary's Letter in other languages
• Summary of the DHS Language Access Plan (English)
  • Summary in other languages
• DHS Language Access Plan

Component Language Access Plans

In coordination with and guidance from CRCL, each DHS Component developed its own individual plan to provide a framework for improving their delivery of language services to LEP persons. DHS received feedback on these plans from the public during an online open comment period and a national stakeholder engagement meeting.

• CRCL Officer Megan Mack's message in English and other languages
• DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
• DHS Office of Inspector General
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • FEMA app en Espanol
  • Ready.gov en Espanol
• Federal Protective Services
• Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
• Transportation Security Administration
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • USCIS Multilingual Resource Center
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• U.S. Secret Service

DHS Language Access Guidance for Recipients of Financial Assistance

Non-federal recipients of financial assistance from the Department have an obligation to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to persons with LEP, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Department’s implementing regulations. This obligation is similar to the Department’s obligation to LEP persons under Executive Order 13166. Please refer to the Guidance below for more information on recipient language access obligations.

• DHS Language Access Guidance for Recipients of Department Financial Assistance

Language Access Materials and Resources

• I Speak materials are practical tools that assist DHS employees and recipients in their interactions with LEP individuals to identify their preferred language.
  • I Speak Language Identification Guide for DHS Personnel and Others
  • I Speak Language Identification Guide for State and Local Law Enforcement
  • I Speak Language Identification Poster
• How to Request Language Services
• Protocol for Identifying LEP Persons and Providing Language Services
• Language Access Responsibilities: Overview for DHS Employees
• Language Access Resource Guide for Law Enforcement
• Working with Interpreters: Job Aid for DHS Employees
• Video Training Series on Communicating Effectively with LEP Members of the Public
• LEP Mapping Tool
• LEP.gov: Federal clearinghouse of information, tools, and technical assistance regarding LEP and language services.
  • Video Training Series on Communicating Effectively with LEP Members of the Public
  • LEP Mapping Tool

Legal Authorities

• Executive Order 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” (August 11, 2000) (PDF, 4 pages, 321 KB)
• DHS Title VI Implementing Regulation, 6 C.F.R. Part 7, “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the Department of Homeland Security” (PDF, 11 pages, 134 KB)