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 to provide meaningful access for LEP individuals in its programs, activities, and services.

DHS Language Access Plan

The DHS Language Access Plan establishes a system to implement Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (August 11, 2000), which states that people with limited English proficiency should have meaningful access to federally conducted and federally funded programs and activities, including services and benefits.

• Secretary's Letter on the DHS Language Access Plan (English)
  • Secretary's Letter in alternate languages
• Summary of the DHS Language Access Plan (English)
  • Summary in alternate 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 diverse communities across the country. CRCL received feedback on these plans from stakeholders and the public an online open comment period and a national stakeholder engagement meeting.

• CRCL Officer Megan Mack's message in English and other alternate languages
• DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
• DHS Office of Inspector General
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• 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 Guidance for Recipients of Financial Assistance

DHS offers guidance to its recipients of federal financial assistance on their obligations to provide meaningful access to LEP persons, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Department's implementing regulations. The guidance is also useful for federal employees that serve or encounter LEP persons throughout the Department's own programs and activities.

• DHS 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
• Language Access Responsibilities: Overview for DHS Employees
• LEP Resource Guide for Law Enforcement
• Working with Interpreters: Job Aid for DHS Employees
• DHS Guidance for Recipients of Department Financial Assistance
• Video Training Series on Communicating Effectively with LEP Members of the Public
• LEP Mapping Tool
• LEP.gov