The Italians have a long history of migration to North America, as early as the 1820s.

Over time, as have many other European peoples who migrated during early North American history, Italians have assimilated into mainstream culture. Though many know their ethnic heritage, the vast majority of early migrants now are very much a part of mainstream culture and Italian is no longer their primary language spoken at home.

Nevertheless, North America is filled with enclaves of Italians who continue to speak Italian at home and maintain their distinct socio-cultural ethnic heritage. These enclaves are found in the more densely populated metro areas where large numbers of Italians still reside.

Deeply rooted in Roman Catholicism, often Italian ethnic identity is closely related to their religious identity along with their unique Italian-ness.

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