Belgian Americans

Immigration Patterns

The largest wave of Belgians came to the United States during the 19th century, mainly to create better lives for their families and for financial opportunities. From 1820 to 1920, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 130,968 Belgians obtained permanent resident status. Most who moved to the United States during this time were small landowners/farmers, agricultural laborers, miners, craftsmen (e.g., carpenters, masons, and cabinetmakers), and other skilled tradespeople (e.g., glassblowers and lace makers).

Between 1920 and 1979, 71,942 Belgians came to the United States. During this time, and especially after the two World Wars, many middle-class and urban professionals left Belgium for the United States, seeking work in universities, laboratories, and industrial corporations. Between 1980 and 2000, a total of 14,922 Belgians obtained legal permanent U.S. resident status.

Contemporary Community

Of those Belgian-born people who lived in the United States in 2000, only 10.1% had entered the country prior to 2000. According to the 2000 census, 12.5% spoke English less than “very well.” The median family income was $65,615, compared with $50,890 for the nation as a whole.

In recent years, people from Belgium have sought permanent residency and completed the naturalization process to become citizens. From 1997 through 2002, about 3,651 Belgians immigrated to the United States annually. About 250 Belgian Americans have become naturalized citizens annually since 1997.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 220,308 individuals of Belgian origin resided in the United States. In terms of geographic distribution, the top five states were Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, California, and Florida.

Belgians have brought many talents and skills to the United States and have made some major scientific and technological contributions. Among them are George Goethals, engineer-builder of the Panama Canal, and Leo Baekeland, pioneer of modern plastics. Also among famous Belgian Americans are Audrey Hepburn, actress; Jean-Claude Van Damme, actor; Father Damien, missionary; and Earl Louis “Curly” Lambeau, founder of the Green Bay Packers football team.