Where did most Polish immigrants come from?

Most Polish Americans are descended from the first wave, when millions of Poles fled Polish districts of Germany, Russia, and Austria. This group is often called the za chlebem (for bread) immigrants because most were peasants in Poland who did not own land and lacked basic subsistence.

What challenges did Polish immigrants face?

At the turn of the 20 th century, Polish immigration exploded. Imperial repression, land shortages, and chronic unemployment made life more and more untenable for the Poles of Europe, and as the 19 th century waned they left for America by the thousands, then by the hundreds of thousands.

Where did most Polish immigrants settled in the US?

Chicago
Most of the early emigrants to the United States settled in Texas; Hamtramck, Michigan; and the Chicago area. Emigration was minimal until 1854, when Poles from Silesia began settling in Texas. A great wave of Polish emigration started in the 1870s.

Where is the largest Polish population outside of Poland?

Chicago metropolitan area
Translation: The Chicago metropolitan area is the largest Polish metropolitan area outside of Poland. That large Polish and Polish-American population has had a real impact.

Where are Polish people from?

The Poles, or Polish people, are a nation and an ethnic group of predominantly West Slavic descent, who share a common history, culture, the Polish language and are identified with the country of Poland in Central Europe.

What US city has the largest Polish population?

New York. With over 218,000 inhabitants who have roots in the Land on the Vistula, the Big Apple is often called America’s most Polish town, along with Chicago.

Can a US citizen travel to Poland with a Polish passport?

American citizens must use their U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Poland may require a person with Polish citizenship to enter and exit Poland on a Polish passport. For more information on dual nationality please visit the Department of State website.

Can I Lose my Polish citizenship if I become an American?

Dual Nationality Polish citizens who became naturalized American citizens after January 8, 1951 do not lose their Polish citizenship under Polish law, unless they formally renounce Polish citizenship with the consent of the Polish government.

What are some interesting facts about Polish culture?

A classic Polish dish, pierogi are dumplings that can be filled with fruit, cheese, sauerkraut, potatoes or ground meat. Much of our cuisine contains potatoes, meat and cabbage. Being a Polish vegetarian is rough. 10. We didn’t invent the polka dance. The polka (which translates to “Polish woman”) is not a Polish dance.

How do I find out if I have dual nationality with Poland?

For more information on dual nationality please visit the Department of State website. If you are not sure if you still have Polish citizenship, you should check with the nearest Polish Embassy or Consulate before you travel. For more information, please contact the Polish Embassy in Washington.