Arab American

Arab-Americans are Americans of Arab ancestry. Over 4 million Americans trace their ancestry to Arab countries, and the vast majority are citizens of the United States. Over 75% are Christians, many having escaped religious persecution in their homelands. Today, one-third of Arab-Americans live in California, New York, and Michigan; their highest percentage is 4% of Michigan. They are better-educated than the average American. The average Arab-American entrepreneur may have a higher personal and household income than a non-Arab-American counterpart in most regions of the United States. The overall U.S. population grew by 13% in the 1990s, while the Arab-American increased by 38%. Whether Christian or Muslim, Arab-Americans tend to have large families.

The majority of Arab-Americans were born in the United States, with relatively few of them here illegally. The first wave of lawful immigration by Arab-Americans was from the late 1800s to 1924. A second wave occurred from the mid-1940s until 1965. The third wave of their immigration has been since the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1965.

A majority of Arab-Americans, around 62%, originate from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan.

Politics

Prominent Arab Americans in politics include:

• John H. Sununu (1939- ), Governor of New Hampshire (1983-1989) and White House Chief of Staff for George H. W. Bush (1989-1991); Roman Catholic
• John E. Sununu (1964- ), his son, Republican Congressman (1996-2002) from New Hampshire and U.S. Senator (2002-2008); Roman Catholic
• Spencer Abraham (1952- ), Republican Senator from Michigan (1994-2000), Secretary of Energy under George W. Bush (2001-5), Eastern Orthodox
• James Abdnor (1923- ), Republican Representative from South Dakota (1972–80) and Senator (1980–86); Syrian Orthodox

9-11

After the horrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, Arab-Americans braced for the worst, but thankfully the fears of heavy reprisals did not come as the vast majority of America realized they were not to blame. 326 incidents that were believed to be 'hate based' were recorded across the country in the first month after the attack - a large increase from the 20 or so normally expected, but still relatively small in comparison to the population size. Volume dropped substantially after that so that the last 10 months of the year combined actually had far fewer incidents than the first two months after the attack. The worst had passed.

"American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee" advocate for civil rights people of Arab heritage However, this (ADC) has faced criticism over its political advocacy and involvement in events concerning bigotry, Israel and racist Arab Palestinian nationalism.

In November 2017, the Jerusalem Post, reporting on an account by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, reported that ADC president Samer Khalaf offered the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office space if the Trump administration closed its Washington representation. The offer came amid a dispute over the PLO's activities and the legal conditions governing its U.S. office.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has also criticized political events and demonstrations involving ADC. In a July 2020 report on anti-annexation demonstrations organized under the slogan "Day of Rage," the ADL reported that ADC was among the groups that convened rallies across the United States. Some of the demonstrations included clear antisemitic rhetoric, anti-Israel messaging, and expressions of support for terrorism.

In May 2024, the ADL identified ADC among more than 300 organizations that endorsed the People's Conference for Palestine in Detroit. The conference's steering committee included several Palestinian advocacy and anti-Zionist organizations. Some speakers expressed support for violence and terrorism. The endorsement established ADC's support for the conference.

In October 2025, the ADL published a further report criticizing speakers at ArabCon, an annual conference organized by ADC. Speakers at the event made antisemitic statements, vilified Zionism and Zionists, or defended terrorism, including the Hamas-led genocidal October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. The report also described statements made at the 2024 conference by ADC data strategist Mohammed Maraqa pushing tropes via talk about concerning Jewish business interests and financial "influence."

Extremism

May 2007: “One in four” of U.S. Muslims under 30 “say suicide bombings to defend their religion are acceptable at least in some circumstances”.

In Nov 2007 John L Esposito blamed Christians for frictions.

In 2009, Esposito claimed American Muslims are as concerned about extremism and terrorism as other citizens. Their families and friends in "the old country" have been the primary victims of terrorist attacks.

Oct 16 to Oct 18, 2023: 57% of US Muslims Believe Hamas Atrocities Justified.

Influential Arab Americans

• Khalil Gibran known as Gibran Khalil Gibran.
• Ameen Rihani, author of The Book of Khalid.
• William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist, son of Lebanese parents.
• Alec E. Gores, businessman, Forbes list of billionaires.
• Steve Jobs, businessman, Apple.
• Ralph Nader, presidential candidate of Lebanese parents.
• Ray LaHood, Congressman (R-Ill.) and U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2009– ) of Lebanese and Jordanian ancestry.
• Frank Zappa, musician.
• Emilio Estefan, composer.
• Paul Anka, singer, composer.
• Donna Shalala, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (1993–2001).
• Mostafa El-Sayed, US National Medal of Science laureate.
• Joseph Farah, author, publisher of WorldNetDaily
• Casey Kasem, radio personality.
• John Zogby, pollster

Although the majority of Arab-Americans have been Christian , Islamic immigration increased, especially under Obama and Biden. Most Muslims aren't Arab.

See also

• Ethnic Groups Gallery

External links

Islamic mosque, Dearborn, Michigan.

• National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations.
• National Arab American Organizations
• Arab American National Museum
• The Arab American University
• American Arab Forum
• Arab American Institute
• The Arab-American News
• A vow for better Jewish, Muslim relations in US
• Arab Center of Washington
• American Muslims Ready to Attack USA? by Sher Zieve.
• Glossary of Islamic terms.
• Obama's Plan to Islamicize America.