Portuguese Americans

Immigration Patterns

The Portuguese have a long history in the United States. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) data beginning in the 19th century indicate that approximately 5,200 Portuguese arrived between 1820 and 1860. A chain migration of Azorean families occurred between 1870 and 1900, bringing an estimated 63,000. This number rose significantly to 158,881 between 1900 and 1920. Many Portuguese immigrants came to United States to escape poverty and avoid military service. These immigrants settled in California and New England. Many immigrants also settled on sugar plantations in Hawai'i. They were brought by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association to work as contract laborers on the sugar plantations. In 1884, 11,000 Portuguese were in Hawai'i, making up 10% of the Hawaiian territorial population. After work contracts ended, many returned home, moved to California, or migrated to the cities to make their permanent homes. After 1914, immigration to Hawai'i ceased as the sugar planters recruited other immigrant groups for their source of labor.

The institution of a literacy test in 1917, the quota system of 1924, and the Great Depression slowed immigration between 1917 and 1958. However, in 1958 more than 4,800 refugees arrived in the United States because of natural disasters on the island of Faial. After the abolishment of the quota system in 1965, between 11,000 and 12,000 arrived annually until the 1980s.

Contemporary Community

During recent years, people from Portugal have sought permanent residency and refugee status and have completed the naturalization process to become citizens. From 1997 to 2006, approximately 1,300 Portuguese immigrated to the United States annually. At least 3,300 Portuguese Americans have become naturalized citizens annually beginning with 1997.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there were 1,023,313 people of Portuguese national origin in the United States in 2005. In terms of geographic distribution, the top five states were Massachusetts, California, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Florida. According to the 2000 census, 52.6% spoke English less than “very well.” Their median family income was $53,500, as compared with $50,890 for the nation as a whole.

Among famous Americans with Portuguese heritage are the actor Tom Hanks, the chef Emeril Lagasse, the writer Danielle Steel, and singer/songwriter/producer Teena Marie or “Lady T” (born Mary Christine Brockert).