The dome of the U.S. Capitol was completed by Italy’s
Constantino Brumidi in true fresco technique in 1865
(Credits: United States Government Work)
The Italian Community in the United States
The relations between Italy and the United States are based on the presence of a very large and qualified Italian and Italian-American community, which has given rise to a complex network of relationships, associations and cultural centers, museums, festivals, magazines, newspapers, and blogs. Some of the media aimed at the Italian community receive contributions from the Italian government.
As of June 30, 2024, the Italians registered with the Registry of Italians Residing Abroad (AIRE) in the United States number 366,972, distributed among the 10 consular districts as follows: Boston: 24,396; Chicago: 30,625; Detroit: 21,302; Philadelphia: 30,501; Houston: 16,820; Los Angeles: 35,870; Miami: 60,556; New York: 105,871; San Francisco: 31,173; Washington D.C.: 9,858.
Alongside the earlier generations of Italians, who arrived in the United States during the various waves of the last century up to the early 1960s, the more recent immigration flows consist largely of highly qualified Italian nationals with university or higher degrees: from young Italian entrepreneurs who invest in the United States but keep the main focus of their interests in Italy, to university professors, scientists, and researchers who have applied their discoveries and inventions in the industrial field, particularly in the IT and high-tech sectors.
Among the representative organizations of the Italian community in the United States: https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/organismirappresentativi/
- The members of the Italian Parliament elected in the North and Central America district: Senator Francesca La Marca, Hon. Andrea Di Giuseppe, and Hon. Christian Diego Di Sanzo
- Ten Committees of Italians Abroad (Com.It.Es.)
- Two Councillors of the General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE): Silvana Mangione (Deputy Secretary General) and Vincenzo Arcobelli
- Six patronati (patronage offices) with multiple locations in the United States (Inca-Cgil, Acli, Ital-Uil, Inas-Cisl, Epasa, Encal-Cisal)
The General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE): https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/organismirappresentativi/cgie/
The General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE) is an advisory body to the Italian Government and Parliament on matters relevant to Italians abroad and contributes to the process of developing their active participation in the country’s political life. It therefore plays a fundamental role in maintaining a continuous link between Italian communities abroad and Italy.
The CGIE is chaired by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and is composed of 63 Councillors, 43 representing Italian communities abroad and 20 appointed by the Government.
The Committees of Italians Abroad (Com.It.Es.): https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/organismirappresentativi/comites/
What are the Com.It.Es.?
They are elective bodies that represent Italian citizens residing abroad in their relations with consular offices, designed to allow them to actively participate in the life of their community.
They are composed of 12 members in districts where up to 100,000 Italian citizens reside. The number of members increases to 18 in districts where more than 100,000 Italian citizens reside.
Members of the Com.It.Es. serve for five years and do not receive any remuneration for their activities.
In collaboration with consular authorities, regions, local authorities, and other organizations and associations operating in the consular district, the Com.It.Es. promote, in the interests of Italian communities residing abroad, all initiatives deemed useful in social and cultural matters, social and school assistance, vocational training, recreational activities, and leisure time. They may also represent the interests of the Italian community residing in the district to local authorities and institutions, subject to agreement with consular authorities.
For whom does one vote in Com.It.Es. elections?
Com.It.Es. members are elected based on lists of candidates formed and endorsed by Italian citizens residing in each consular district.
The last Com.It.Es. elections took place on December 3, 2021.
The Italian-American Community
According to the most recent census, Americans of Italian origin number 17.3 million, making them the fourth largest European ethnic group after Germans, Irish, and English. However, the two main Italian-American organizations, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), estimate that Italian Americans number around 20 million.
Italians in America have traditionally made their mark in all sectors of the country’s life (politics, economics, arts, film, science and research, sports), even at the highest levels, thus contributing to the growing prestige of Italy in the United States. Their presence constitutes a true bridge between Italy and the United States, through their contribution to the development and strengthening of bilateral relations.
For years, there has been increasing attention to Italy from the Italian-American community. This phenomenon is explained by various factors, including attraction to the Italian lifestyle, quality of life, and the affirmation of Italy’s image in various fields: from culture to fashion, design to food and wine, from research to high technology. A direct consequence of this is the increase in tourist travel to Italy, the rise in the number of students studying the Italian language and culture, and the increase in applications for Italian citizenship.