Myanmarese Americans

Immigration Patterns

Myanmarese immigrants began to arrive during the 1960s. The year 1962 was significant because many Burmese (doctors, professors, and students) fled the country at the beginning of General Ne Win's rule, after a military coup d'état. In addition, when the quota cap of the Immigration Act of 1924 was lifted, many Asians began to immigrate to the United States [Page 929]looking for economic opportunities. Immigration during the past few decades has been quite small, especially in comparison to other Asian groups.

Contemporary Community

In recent years, people from Myanmar have sought permanent residency and refugee status and have completed the naturalization process to become citizens. From 1997 through 2004, about 1,300 Myanmarese immigrated to the United States annually, many of them arriving under immigration provisions that allowed for family reunification. During the years 2005 and 2006, about 6,600 Myanmarese were granted legal permanent status. About 300 refugees arrived annually between the years 1997 and 2004. The period 2004 through 2006 brought about 2,800 refugees. At least 10,000 Myanmarese Americans have become naturalized citizens since 1997.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, there were 21,110 individuals of Myanmar national origin in the United States. Many have settled in large cities, such as Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. In terms of geographic distribution, the top five states were California, New York, Indiana, Florida, and Washington.

As a result of their British colonial heritage and mandatory education in both the English and Burmese languages, many Myanmarese immigrants are bilingual and continue to speak Burmese at home, as well as at social gatherings. According to the 2000 census, 9% spoke a language other than English. Economic characteristics of the Myanmarese include occupations in management and professional sectors, as well as a significant portion working in the manufacturing, educational, and health industries. Myanmarese Americans' median family income was $61,725, compared with $50,890 for the nation as a whole.