# Limited English Proficiency

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Limited English Proficiency refers to people who do not speak English as their primary language and who have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. Laws and regulations prohibit exclusion from participation in, denial of benefits of, and discrimination under Federal programs.

## What is Limited English Proficiency?

Limited English Proficiency refers to people who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. LEP​ statutes and authorities prohibit exclusion from participation in, denial of benefits of, and discrimination under federally assisted and/or conducted programs on the ground of race, color, or national origin.

### Ensuring equal access to federal programs and services is the law

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin and covers program access for LEP persons. These protections are pursuant to Executive Order 13166 entitled, “Improving Access to Services by Persons with Limited English Proficiency” and further affirmed in the USDA Departmental Regulation 4330-005, “Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Persons with Limited English Proficiency in Programs and Activities Conducted by USDA” and the NRCS​ LEP Plan.

It is NRCS​ policy to provide equal opportunity in all programs, services, and activities to LEP persons. The Department of Justice’s LEP Guidance provides agencies with a framework to assess agencies’ LEP services. 
              - Executive Order 13166
              - USDA Departmental Regulation 4330-005
              - Department of Justice LEP Guidance

NRCS Chief's Transmission of State Limited English Proficiency(66.95 KB)

NRCS Limited English Proficiency Policy(745.79 KB)

NRCS Limited English Proficiency Plan(6.73 MB)

##   Get Started! A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers

This 40-page guide, available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese, can help you get started with USDA, whether you are new to farming, ranching, or forestry management, or just new to working with us. From farm loans to crop insurance, and conservation programs to disaster assistance, USDA is here to support you and your operation.

Get the Get Started guide

##   Official LEP Release Acknowledgment Forms

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form ARABIC(223.14 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form CHINESE(215.95 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form FRENCH(135.41 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form GERMAN(111.12 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form HMONG(177.63 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form JAPANESE(246.83 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form KHMER(110.77 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form KOREAN(273.67 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form RUSSIAN(186.57 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form SPANISH(163 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form TAGALOG(134.05 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form THAI(68.25 KB)

Official LEP Release Acknowledgement Form VIETNAMESE(146.17 KB)

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