jan 18, 1880 - First major wave of Arab immigration

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First, a major wave of Arab Immigration to the U.S. from the Ottoman Empire (~ 95,000), what is now present Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel fleeing political conflicts. Lebanon silk industry collapses b/c mulberry trees were infected → farmers look for work in other countries. Syrians and Lebanese leave to escape poverty, famine, and political turmoil. Mandatory military service also prompted citizens to emigrate elsewhere.

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