Federal laws, policies, and court decisions pertaining to the civil rights of minority language groups are reviewed, with an emphasis on political, legal, economic, and educational access. Areas in which progress has been made and those in which access is still limited are identified. It is argued that a continuing federal role is necessary to help remove remaining barriers for minority language citizens. Recommendations are made for coordinating government involvement in the process of assuring equal access. The texts of 18 judicial decisions bearing on access are appended. (RW)