If English is hard for you, you can often ask for an interpreter (a person who speaks your language and translates) for free. You do not need to bring a friend or pay.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 says programs that get federal money may not discriminate because of national origin. That covers hospitals, clinics, many courts, police, schools, and state and local offices. For health care, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act also requires free language help.
In 2025 the federal government changed some guidance and asked agencies to offer fewer translated materials. The laws themselves did not change, and the government still says that refusing language help can be discrimination. In practice, what you get may differ from place to place, so ask clearly.
For doctors and hospitals, see Your right to a free medical interpreter.
Police: if police stop or question you, you can say "I need a [Nepali] interpreter." Many departments use phone interpreters. Do not guess at answers you do not understand.
Courts: courts that get federal money should give an interpreter for hearings at no charge. In a criminal case, you have a strong right to understand. Tell the court clerk before your date. Rules differ by state; see In your state below.
911: say your emergency address in English if you can, then your language: "Nepali". Many 911 centers can add a phone interpreter in seconds. Stay on the line.
Schools: parents should get important information, like report cards, special education meetings and discipline, in a language they understand. Ask the school office for an interpreter for meetings.
Government and benefits offices: Social Security, the DMV, unemployment, food help (SNAP) and Medicaid offices often have phone interpreters. Ask before your appointment so they can book one.
Say, in English: "I need a [Nepali] interpreter, please."
Many offices keep an "I speak" card. Point to your language.
On the phone, say "interpreter" and your language, then wait.
Ask for papers in your language, or for someone to read them to you before you sign.
If you speak a less common language or dialect, say it exactly: "Dari, not Farsi."
Do not ask your children to interpret for doctors, police, courts or money matters. They may not know the words, the news may hurt them, and mistakes can be serious. In a real emergency, use whoever is there, then ask for a trained interpreter.
Stay calm. Ask: "Can I speak to a supervisor about an interpreter?"
Write down the date, place, names and what happened.
Complain to the place first: the patient advocate at a hospital, or the court administrator at a court.
File a free federal complaint. For schools, use the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights at ed.gov/ocr. For police, courts and other programs, use the Justice Department Civil Rights Division at civilrights.justice.gov. For health care, use the HHS Office for Civil Rights at hhs.gov/ocr.
Nodding when you do not understand. Say: "I do not understand. I need an interpreter."
Signing papers you cannot read.