Micronesian Americans are Americans of Micronesian descent.
The Largest Micronesian American subgroups are Chamorro American and Marshallese American which make up the majority of Micronesian American population. Other significant groups include Yapese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Chuuk,and Palauan.
Chamorro Americans or Chamorros have been a part of the United States since the U.S. captured Guam during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Chamorro Americans trace their ancestry from either Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or the American territory of Guam.
In the 2010 census 147,798 identified as Guamanian or Chamorro. Because of major economic conditions on Guam and the Northern Marianas in 1990s to present many Chammorros have migrated in the United States in search of work and better opportunities. There are now more Chamorros in the Continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska than there are on the Guam and the Northern Marianas combined.
States with significant Chamorro populations are Hawaii, California, Washington, Texas and Nevada. California is home to the largest Chamorro population with 44,425 residing in the state. The County with the largest number of Chamorro residents is San Diego County, other counties include Los Angeles County, and Orange County.
Marshallese Americans or Marshallese come from the Marshall Islands. In the 2010 census 22,434 Americans identified as being of Marshallese descent.
Because of the Marshall Islands entering the Compact of Free Association in 1986, Marshallese have been allowed to migrate and work in the United States. There are many reasons why Marshallese came to the United States. Some Marshallese came for educational opportunities, particularly for their children. Others sought work or better health care than what’s available in the islands. Massive layoffs by the Marshallese government in 2000 led to a second big wave of immigration.
Arkansas has the largest Mashallese population with over 6,000 residents. Many live in Springdale and comprise over 5% of the city's population. Other significant Marshallese populations include Spokane and Costa Mesa.
Read more about this topic: Pacific Islander American
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