Exploring the Mystery of Romanian Immigration to the USA

Why do so few Romanians live in the USA, given their numbers and the historical context?

The question of why Romanian immigrants are not as numerous in the United States as one might expect is a complex one, intertwining historical, economic, and social factors. Unlike other Eastern European groups such as Poles or Ukrainians, who have established robust communities in America, Romanians have been comparatively less visible. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon, the historical context, and the modern realities that shape Romanian immigration to the USA.

Historical Context and Migration Patterns

The emigration to America as a custom spread across Europe in waves. Initially, it began with the Irish, British, and Germans, followed by the poor from Eastern European countries, including Hungary, which saw a significant emigration of one million people to the USA by 1910. The distance from these starting points to the USA played a role, reducing the number of immigrants from more distant locations. Romania, being further away from the initial points, had less time for its people to emigrate en masse.

According to estimates, the largest Romanian American populations in the US are in states such as New York, California, Florida, and Michigan. The numbers range from 478,000 to 1.2 million. While this still represents a significant presence, it is notably lower compared to populations of other Eastern European groups. Romanian emigration is influenced by historical factors, such as the loss of territories to the Hungarians and the Romanian people from Transylvania who were not part of Wallachia and Moldova.

Factors Influencing Romanian Immigration

Several factors contribute to the lower numbers of Romanians in the USA. Economic considerations play a significant role. Prior to World War II, the majority of Romanians moved from areas where they were the minority to areas where they could become a majority, avoiding economic competition. Earlier, Romanian immigrants faced discrimination as non-Italians, which further deterred emigration. After the war, the focus shifted towards professionals, skilled workers, and professionals, leading to a different demographic pattern.

Historical events such as the two World Wars and the communist regime in Romania also impacted migration flows. The communist regime discouraged emigration and created a barrier to Romanian immigrants. Additionally, the cultural and social integration of Romanian immigrants was influenced by their desire to blend in, often adopting American names and assimilating into the local culture to avoid discrimination and better integrate into society.

Current Trends and Future Projections

As Romania and other Eastern European countries have developed economically, the push factors driving migration have changed. The emphasis on economic opportunities and political stability has shifted to more favorable environments in their home countries. This has led to a trend of Romanian return migration, with more people choosing to stay or return to their home country.

Regarding future projections, with Romania’s GDP per capita increasing and the economic climate improving, the trend of Romanians emigrating to the USA may continue to slow down. However, the cultural and political ties between Romania and the USA, as well as global economic conditions, will continue to shape this trend.

Conclusion

The apparent paucity of Romanians in the USA is the result of a complex interplay of historical, economic, and social factors. While there is a significant Romanian presence in the USA, it is smaller than those of other Eastern European groups due to various historical, economic, and personal choices. Understanding these factors is crucial for both immigrants and policymakers seeking to foster better integration and support for Romanian communities in the USA.