Lebanese Americans

Immigration Patterns

Arabs have been migrating to the United States since 1850. However, early Lebanese immigrants were categorized together with Syrian immigrants. Therefore, accurate records and statistics are difficult to obtain. The first wave peaked in 1914 with 9,023 people immigrating; however, immigration fluctuated greatly through the 1920s. Many were drawn to the United States because of economic opportunities. The years between 1870 and 1918 were quite significant because Lebanon lost a quarter of its population to emigration. The Immigration Act of 1924 primarily ended all immigration from Lebanon during the years it was in force.

Most Lebanese arrived during the first wave. However, the end of the Arab-Israeli war in 1967 sparked the second wave of immigration. In addition, the civil war between Muslims and Christians that lasted from 1975 to 1991 created a mass exodus from Lebanon during those years. The new immigrants carried with them a strong Arab identity, or “Arab consciousness,” with their Islamic and political traditions. [Page 841]These immigrants were better educated than their predecessors and helped to revive their customs and culture in Lebanese communities in the United States.

Contemporary Community

During recent years, people from Lebanon have sought permanent residency status and have completed the naturalization process to become citizens. From 1997 to 2006, approximately 3,700 Lebanese immigrated to the United States annually. At least 3,400 Lebanese Americans have become naturalized citizens annually beginning in 1997.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 2005, there were 363,015 people of Lebanese national origin in the United States in 2005. Large Lebanese communities can be found in the Northeast and Midwest. Detroit has the largest Lebanese community. In terms of geographic distribution, the top five states are Michigan, California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. According to the 2000 census, 32.4% spoke English less than “very well.” Their median family income was $54,798, as compared with $50,890 for the nation as a whole. Of those Lebanese-born individuals present in the United States in 2000, 20% had entered the country prior to 2000.

Americans of Lebanese descent have made many contributions to entertainment and politics. Among famous actors of Lebanese descent are Danny Thomas and his daughter Marlo. Other famous Americans of Lebanese descent include Frank Zappa, musician; Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko's; and John Elway, professional football star quarterback. James Abourezk was the first Lebanese American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1974–1980) and founded the American Arab Anti-discrimination Committee.

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