Jordanian Americans

Immigration Patterns

Since 1850, Arabs have been migrating to the United States, but Jordanian immigration began after World War II. According to census statistics, during the 1950s, about 5,000 Jordanians immigrated to the United States. The number of Jordanian immigrants doubled to about 11,000 in the 1960s and continually increased, reaching about 25,000 in the 1970s. This mass increase was mainly because of conflict with other Arab nations. About 2,900 Jordanians immigrated annually during the 1980s. However, an estimated 42,755 arrived during the 1990s.

Contemporary Community

In recent years, people from Jordan have sought permanent residency and completed the naturalization process to become citizens. From 1997 through 2006, about 3,700 Jordanians immigrated to the United States annually. At least 2,400 Jordanian Americans have become naturalized citizens annually beginning with 1997.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey, there were 45,113 of Jordanian national origin in the United States in 2005. In geographic distribution, the top five states were California, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, and New York. Because Jordanians are at or have not reached third generation, many are not well “Americanized.” Therefore, Jordanian immigrants find comfort in settling into areas and neighborhoods that have already been established. Additionally, immigrants may face a language barrier. According to the 2000 census, 45.9% speak English less than “very well.” Their median family income was $45,532 compared with $50,890 for the nation as a whole. Of those Jordan-born present here in 2000, 27% had entered the country before 2000.