| The Persian DiasporaSince the Iranian Revolution of 1979, millions of Persian Speakingpeoples have migrated to other parts of the Middle East, to theUS, Europe, and other areas of theworld. Persian Diaspora Census, 1996
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| Australia | 60,000 | | Austria | 15,000 | | Belgium | 6,000 | | Canada | 75,000 | | China | 10,000 | | Cyprus | 2,000 | | Denmark | 10,000 | | Eastern Europe | 50,000 | | Egypt & North Africa | 20,000 | | Finland | 2,000 | | France | 62,000 | | Germany | 110,000 | | Greece | 20,000 | | India | 60,000 | | Iraq | 250,000 | | Israel | 50,000 | | Kuwait | 20,000 | | Lebanon | 50,000 | | Norway | 6,000 | | Pakistan | 40,000 | | Philippines, Korea & Japan | 50,000 | | Russia & Other Former Soviet Union Countries | 50,000 | | South Africa | 5,000 | | Spain & Portugal | 15,000 | | Sweden | 15,000 | | Switzerland | 6,000 | | Syria | 50,000 | | The Netherlands | 6,000 | | The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) | 50,000 | | Turkey | 800,000 | | United Arab Emirates & Bahrain | 560,000 | | United Kingdom | 80,000 | | United States of America | 1,560,000 | | Centra & South America & Other Parts of The World | 100,000 | | Total: | |
Most Iranians who immigrated to the United States followingIran's 1978-1979 revolution do not fit into the typical stereotype ofan immigrant (poor, oppressed, not knowing English, etc.). Many cameto the United States with money, had already studied English,possessed a good education, and had strong backgrounds in business. Most Iranians in the United States are working, and many own theirown businesses. At the same time, there are still many Iranianimmigrants who have not learned English, particularly older peopleand women. Unlike many other people groups, Iranians do not isolatethemselves from other cultures. A very gracious people, many arefriendly and desire cross-cultural relationships. Unfortunately,this desire to assimilate to an American lifestyle also shows up in ageneral preoccupation with materialism. At the same time, Iranians do not neglect their own culture. Withthe largest concentration living in Los Angeles, a large Iraniancommunity known as Little Persia has emerged in an area just west ofHollywood. Of all the Muslim people groups, the Iranians are perhaps themost open to other views. After suffering from religious oppressionin Iran, many are disillusioned with Islam. They are suspicious ofreligious dogma and/or fanaticism, and value freedom of religion. The desire to assimilate into American culture opens many doorsfor ministry. Eight Iranian women who either live alone or with busyfamilies are finding their needs met through ESL classes and timesfor fellowship and relationships. Several women say that thoseministering to them in this way are angels that God has sent tothem-to take care of them, to visit them and to help them in variousways Ð more than their own families have helped them. SeveralIranian men and women have also been attending a Sunday afternoon"Seekers" class on "Knowing God". Hearing God's word and worshipping in their "heart" language ofFarsi can be particularly meaningful to these Iranians. One Iranianman who professes to be a believer, and came to Christ through anAmerican church, desires fellowship and discipleship in the Farsilanguage. Another Iranian man has been attending an American churchand is seeking to deepen his understanding of Christ and Christianityin Farsi. From a small beginning of perhaps no more than 15,000 individuals in 1965,the Iranian population of the United States grew rapidly to 121,000 in 1980. 1990estimates are between 800,000 to 1,100,000. The marked increase in immigration can be explained through two importantevents. First due to the substantial wealth of the country prior to the 1979revolution, many families and the government chose to send students abroadfor higher level education. By 1977, Iran had more students abroad than anyother country in the world at 227,497. By 1979 in the US alone, there were51,310 college students, ranking first amongst foreign nationalities. Second, after the revolution in 1979, not only did many of these studentsopt to remain in the US, but many of their relatives also decided to jointhem, later becoming naturalized citizens (or residents). Based on the 1990 census figures, one can draw a fairly accurate portrait ofthis community:
- Although coming from a non-English speaking country, 84% ofIranian-Americans speak fluent English.
- 46% have a bachelors degree or higher, which ranks the group not onlyhigher than any other recently-arrived immigrant group, but also higher thannatives in terms of educational achievement.
- This high academic achievement has undoubtedly contributed to the highoccupational and financial accomplishment of Iranians as well. 43% ofIranians are in professional and managerial positions, 35% in technical andadministrative, 10% are in various services and the balance are spread overfarming, craft and laborers.
- 48% of the Iranian-American community are dual income earners and 22% owntheir own businesses.
- Median family income is $55,501 (substantially above the national averageof $35,492) and per capita income is $18,040.
- 92% of Iranians have a mortgage.
References: Demographic data of Iranians in the US,Iranian AmericanRepublican Council. |
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