Why Are There So Many Samoans in America?

Samoan immigration to the U.S. is a fascinating story involving history, work, family relationships and sports. Let's explore a few reasons why so many Samoans have chosen to settle in the US and also how our people have made an impactful mark in America.

According to estimates from recent surveys conducted, it is estimated that there are approximately 243,682 Americans of Samoan descent residing in the US as of 2021. This includes people born both in American Samoa and its Independent State of Samoa as well as those with partial Samoan heritage.

California has the largest Samoan population in the US with around 63,000 Samoans living there, followed by Hawaii, Washington, Utah and Alaska. Their presence can often be associated to military connections, economic opportunities and established family/community networks that attract migrants.

American Samoans also flock to the U.S. mainly because it offers better job prospects; American Samoa's economy relies heavily on tuna canning and local government jobs that don't pay well, while the United States boasts many employment options with higher wages - which attracts many Samoans looking for ways to improve their lives and provide for their families back home.

Moreover, many Samoans enlist in the U.S. military, which is an admired tradition. Which resulted in Samoan communities springing up near military bases across Hawaii, California, and Washington usually due to these opportunities attracting Samoans to enlist and in turn also bringing their families along.

It is important to understand that American Samoa, a group of islands located in the South Pacific, is an unincorporated territory of the U.S. This status makes people born there U.S. nationals, making relocating easier after World War II. Since 1952 this special status has allowed American Samoans to access mainland life without needing visas for entry.

Like many Pacific islands, American Samoa lacks access to quality education opportunities and because of this many young Samoans relocate to the U.S. for college and university education. States like California, Utah, and Hawaii are popular choices due to their good schools and thriving Samoan communities.

Family ties and established communities play a significant role in Samoan migration. Many Samoans move to places with strong familial ties or established communities where they already know someone, which helps ease their adjustment into new surroundings. California, with its large Samoan population, provides an example where new migrants often join relatives or friends already established there.

Sports, particularly American football, is one of the primary draws for many Samoans to move to America. Samoans take an avid interest in American football and many young athletes move here for better training and professional opportunities. Junior Seau, Danny Shelton and Troy Polamalu's success as NFL athletes provides inspiration to others wanting to follow in their footsteps.

Additionally, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) holds an influential presence in Samoa and American Samoa, providing spiritual support that encourages many Samoans to migrate to Utah where the LDS Church resides - making the transition easier for Samoan migrants.

To conclude, Samoans have contributed greatly to American society with their vibrant culture of traditional music, dance and food - from traditional musical compositions and dance performances to festivals celebrating Samoan heritage in states with large Samoan populations promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different cultural groups. Samoan athletes have made outstanding contributions in American football as role models encouraging young people to pursue both their dreams of sportsmanship and education.

Future prospects of Samoan communities in America depend heavily upon migration patterns and their capacity to adapt to ever-evolving circumstances. Strengthening community networks and celebrating cultural heritage will play a crucial role in protecting their identity while making valuable contributions to American society.

Samoans have had an integral place in American life since their arrival from Hawaii to California due to historical, economic, military, religious and community ties that span generations and national borders. From California to Hawaii, their communities have greatly contributed to cultural diversity while facing and overcoming various challenges along the way. Understanding why Samoans migrate gives insight into larger narratives about immigration and cultural exchange in American society as a whole.

References

1. [Samoan Americans - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoan_Americans)
2. [AAPI Demographics: Data on Pacific Islander ethnicities, education, and income - USAFacts](https://usafacts.org/articles/aapi-demographics-data-on-pacific-islander-ethnicities-education-and-income/)
3. [Top 10 States | Percentage of Samoan Population | Zip Atlas](http://zipatlas.com/us/state-comparison/percentage-samoan-population.htm)

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