Arab Immigrants
After 1940, immigration to the United States was not for economic reasons as much as because of the Arab-Israeli conflict and civil war. This meant that people came from many more places. The second immigration also had many more people who practiced Islam, a religion that was not as familiar in the United States. Immigrants in this group tended to be more financially secure when they arrived than people who had come earlier for economic opportunity. Many people in the second wave were students.
Arab Americans are as diverse as the national origins and immigration experiences that have shaped their ethnic identity in the United States, with religious affiliation being one of the most defining factors. The majority of Arab Americans descend from the first wave of mostly Christian immigrants. Their religious practices have not greatly distinguished them from the Euro-centric American culture.
Arab Muslims represent the fastest growing, although still minority, segment of the Arab American community. The beliefs of Islam place importance on modesty, spurn inter-faith marriage, and disapprove of American standards of courtship or gender integration - - including the five-times-daily prayers, the month-long fast at Ramadan, beards for men, and the wearing of the hijab (headcover) for women - require special accommodations in such places as work, school, and the military, thereby making Muslims more visible than most religious minorities. Concern for retaining customs among their mostly U.S.-born children has prompted Arab Muslims in large communities to open private Islamic schools. Another strong motivation for private schooling is so the Arabic language can be incorporated into the curriculum.
Origin and Reasons for Immigration
Despite what most people think, the sizable majority of Arab Americans are native-born, and nearly 82% are citizens. While all Arab countries have sent emigrants to the United States, the majority of the U.S. Arab community traces their roots to five major Countries - Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Iraq.
Arab Americans continue to make lasting cultural contributions. Among prominent writers, the Lebanese-born poet-artist Kahlil Gibran is perhaps the most widely read and appreciated by American readers, and William Blatty (The Exorcist), children's author Naomi Shihab Nye, and Edward Said are also noted in literary circles. Dean of the White House press corps Helen Thomas and consumer advocate Ralph Nader are legends in public affairs.
In the field of entertainment, Arab American stars have included the actor-comic Danny Thomas, actress Kathy Najimy, and Tony Shalhoub, singers Paul Anka and Paula Abdul, and Casey Kasem, "America's Top 40" disc jockey. Sports icons include Doug Flutie and Jeff George of the National Football League. Such business giants as J.M. Haggar (the clothing manufacturer) and Paul Orfalea (founder of Kinko's photocopy stores) are also among the many Arabs who have made their mark in America.
Arabic foods that have become popular in the United States include but are not limited to Pita bread, Baba Ghanoush, Falafel, Hommus, Kibbeh, and Tabbouleh. If you are interested in learning more about Arabic cuisine you can check out the link below.
