Egyptians in the U.S. also referred to as Egyptian Americans started migrating to the United States in large numbers during the 20th century’s second half. Most of the Egyptians departed from their home country for both educational as well as economic reasons. Nonetheless, many others emigrated since that showed concern regarding the political developments, which were taking place in Egypt when the 1952 Egyptian revolution ended (Loucky, Armstrong, & Estrada, 2006). A large number of Egyptians, particularly Copts, departed Egypt in 1967 when the country witnessed defeat during the 1967 Six Day War. Starting 1967 up to around 1977, over 15,000 people from Egypt immigrated to the U.S. When Anwar Sadat was assassinated in 1981 as well as Hosni Mubarak’s momentous inauguration to serve as the country’s president, the economy of Egypt witnessed around 30 years of stagnation, which contributed to considerable cases of emigration among Egyptians to countries associated with prosperity, such as the United States (Joseph, 2013).
Furthermore, driven by higher living standards as well as increased civil liberties, the expatriates from Egypt have shown preference for residing in nations, such as Canada and the U.S. Nonetheless, other large numbers have emigrated to countries, such as Italy, Australia, France, United Kingdom, as well as several Arab states. The initial Egyptians to the U.S. mostly comprised of skilled employees and educated experts (Bayor, 2011). The immigration of Egyptians to the U.S. became easier in 1965 when the Immigration and Nationality Act permitted careful entry of particular experts, particularly scientists, from nations such as Egypt, which significantly high before being subjected to strict emigration hindrances. As such, a large number of Egyptians in the U.S., particularly the ones who immigrated during the initial and second wave, have managed to gain sufficient education, which compares to the one of the entire American population (Parrillo, 2009).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
According to statistical estimates posted by 2012, it was reveal that residents born in Egypt but residing in the U.S. were around 143,085. According to the Arab American Institute, Egyptians within the U.S. serve as among the biggest Arab American citizens in the nation. The Census Bureau of the U.S. reveals that approximately 123,489 individuals have reported to be of Egyptian ancestry. Contrary to the Egyptian population, whereby Muslims are estimated to constitute to around 90 percent of the population, a large number of Egyptians residing in America are Coptic Christians, while Muslims are considered as forming the minority group (Gamboa, 2011). Regarding the Copts they started migrating to the U.S. during the late 1940s while a large number of Coptic Orthodox churches can be found all over the U.S. together with more than 90 congregations apparent in Canada. In North America, estimates reveal that more than one million Christians associated with Coptic Orthodox exist. A limited number of Christians from Egypt who immigrated to the United States comprise of Protestants and Coptic Christians. In addition, it is apparent that limited numbers of non-native Egyptian Christians, including Greeks, Armenians, as well as Syro-Lebanese, who are associated with Eastern orthodox, Armenian, or Melkite Catholic churches also exist in America. Furthermore, it is essential to note that a minor group of Jewish community prevails in the American society, mostly because Egypt expelled its Jewish community during the end of the 1950s (Loucky, Armstrong, & Estrada, 2006).
On matters relating to socioeconomic status, it is crucial to note that the initial Egyptian immigrants to the U.S. mostly served as graduates from various universities, whereas some of the Egyptians arrived in the country with the goal of advancing their education. Among the different immigrants, they comprised of accountants, doctors, engineers, teachers, as well as lawyers from key universities. The following wave had attained degrees from various universities, although they were required to accept unskilled jobs, while a large number of them would be required to drive taxicabs whereas others served as waiters in restaurants. Other citizens also managed to emerge as entrepreneurs in the country (Bayor, 2011).
Researchers have indicated that Egyptian Americans and the children born in America tend to have a difficult time adapting to the American culture, and are likely to spend their leisure times in celebrating the traditional holidays. Primarily, this is facilitated by their strong educational backgrounds. Despite this fact, Egyptian Americans have come together to establish many secular organizations based on their academic or business orientations such as the Arab American University Graduates, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and the American-Arab Relations Committee. Egyptian Americans are also holiday observers, especially on matters related to their religion. Specifically, they celebrate two major Muslim holidays, which are; Eid al Fitr that comes at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha that follows soon after Eid al Fitr. The Islamic New Year is also commonly celebrated as the birthday of the Prophet. These holidays are celebrated at their mosques, or friends’ places. Traditionally, during these holidays, children are given new clothes to wear and also receive monetary gifts. The amount of money given varies depending on the ability of the givers. On the other hand, Christian Copts are known to celebrate Christmas, which is observed on the Gregorian calendar (January sixth to seventh). Easter Holiday is also observed as a week-long holiday. The Sham al-Nassim is also another holiday that is celebrated on the Monday Easter Sunday. To mark this holiday, the Egyptian Americans spend their time in the fields, beaches and eat a special diet of salted fish known as (fikish), shallots or onions, colored hard-boiled eggs, sweets and fruits. The Sham al-Nassim tradition attracts more attention, because it may be prone to dying due to the fact that the day it is supposed to be celebrated in a working day in the US. It is therefore categorized as a dying tradition. However, since Egyptians recognize it as a moveable feast, it is celebrated on Easter Sunday to ensure that every Egyptian American has a chance of enjoying the holiday activities set for the respective feast. The Sham al-Nassim is an occasion where all Egyptians, irrespective of the faith, come together and enjoy their leisure time together (Bayor, 2011).
References
Bayor, H. (2011). Multicultural America: An encyclopedia of the newest Americans. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
Gamboa, E. M. (2011). America because I have loved you, I have made you rich!: The inevitable truth of America Bible prophecy. Bloomington: AuthorHouse.
Joseph, F. (2013). Legends and lore of ancient America. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.
Loucky, J., Armstrong, J., & Estrada, L. J. (2006). Immigration in America today: An encyclopedia. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group.
Parrillo, V. N. (2009). Diversity in America. Newbury Park: Pine Forge Press.
