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Italian-American

An Italian-American is an American of Italian descent. Many, although proud of their heritage, prefer to be referred to simply as American.

Although Italians arrived early to the new world, beginning with Christopher Columbus in 1492, and contining with early explorers John Cabot, Giovanni da Verrazano and Amerigo Vespucci, the largest wave of Italian immigration to the United States took place in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Between 1820 and 1978, 5.3 million Italians immigrated to the United States, including over two million in the years 1900-1910. Only the Irish and Germans immigrated in larger numbers. In the 1990 census, Italian constituted the fifth largest ethnic group in America with over 14.6 million people (almost 6% of the total U.S. population).

Common stereotypes continue to link Italian-Americans to organized crime and restaurant workers [1] , unflattering images which remain staples of Hollywood films. In fact, the National Italian American Foundation found that two-thirds of Italian-Americans held white collar jobs in 1990.

Like other ethnic groups in the USA their political beliefs are diverse. The US Congress includes Italian Americans who are regarded as leaders on both sides of the aisle.

In some Italian-American communities, Saint Joseph's Day (March 19) is marked with celebrations and parades. Columbus Day is also widely celebrated in these communities, as are the feasts of some regional Italian patron saints, most notably San Gennaro (September 19) by those claiming Neapolitan heritage, and Santa Rosalia (September 4) by Sicilians.

The following is a list of people who have referred to themselves ethnically as "Italian", or have an Italian parent.

Famous Italian Americans

External links


Ann Bancroft, Randolph Scott, Amedeo Pietro Giannini, Gen. Anthony Zinni, John Negroponte,
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