Latvian Americans

Immigration Patterns

Latvian immigration can be divided into two distinct groups: those who arrived in the United States before World War II and those who arrived after the war. The first group, often referred to as the “Old Latvians,” began to be documented in the 1850 census. According to census data for that year, there were 3,160 Latvians in the United States, although Lithuanians were included in this group in census data because they spoke a similar language. Half a century later, the number of Latvians residing in the United States was 4,309, most of whom were sailors, artisans, missionaries, laborers, and craftsmen.

In the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1905, approximately 5,000 Latvians immigrated. Their reason for migrating was mainly political, and immigrants included many well-educated socialist and nationalist leaders. Due to World War I, the Immigration Act of 1924, and the Great Depression, migration to the United States slowed during the period between world wars. In addition, when Latvia gained independence in 1918, several hundred Latvians returned to their home country. Only 4,669 Latvians arrived between the years 1920 and 1939.

Census data indicate that more than 40,000 Latvians arrived between 1939 and 1951, with the majority arriving after 1945. Many of these immigrants arrived in the United States as refugees and displaced persons who were fleeing Nazi and Soviet suppression. This second group of Latvian immigrants often referred to themselves as living in exile and as having a great desire to return to Latvia. However, since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, which reestablished Latvia's independence, very few have undertaken return migration and many have made the United States their permanent home.

Contemporary Community

During recent years, people from Latvia have sought permanent residency and refugee status and have completed the naturalization process to become citizens. [Page 840]From 1997 to 2006, approximately 6,100 Latvians immigrated to the United States. An additional 600 refugees arrived between 1999 and 2006. Approximately 325 Latvian Americans have become naturalized citizens annually beginning in 1997.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 2005, there were 63,867 people of Latvian national origin in the United States in 2005. In terms of geographic distribution, the top five states were California, New York, Michigan, Florida, and New Jersey. According to the 2000 census, more than 75% spoke a language other than English at home. Their median family income was $55,209, as compared with $50,890 for the nation as a whole.