FilipinoAmericans

Filipino Americans are Americans of Filipino ancestry. The Philippines, a Southeast Asian archipelago, was a Spanish colony for over 300 years and then a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1946. This historical relationship has significantly influenced Filipino migration patterns to the United States.

Early Filipino immigration began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily with single men who worked in agriculture and fishing, particularly in Hawaii and the West Coast. The Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934 limited Filipino immigration, classifying Filipinos as aliens ineligible for naturalization. Following World War II and the Philippines' independence, immigration laws were amended, allowing for greater family reunification and increased migration.

Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American ethnic group in the United States. They are a diverse population with varied socioeconomic statuses and geographic distributions, though significant communities exist in California, Hawaii, New York, and other metropolitan areas. Common professions among Filipino Americans include healthcare, education, and business. Cultural traditions, such as strong family ties, Catholic faith, and vibrant community celebrations, are often maintained.