Immigration Information

The first major wave of Bulgarian immigration into the United States occurred between 1903 and 1910, during which an estimated 50,000 Bulgarians entered the United States. Many of these immigrants seeking refuge from poverty and overpopulation came to the US from Macedonia and Bulgaria. The failure of the St. Ilya’s Day of revolt, in 1903,also caused many to seek escape from the retaliation of the Turkish army. In 1924, the National Origins Immigration Act limited the number of Bulgarians who could enter the United States to a 100 people a year. Until the removal of this restriction in 1964, only 7,660 Bulgarians had entered the United States since the policy was enacted in 1924.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 55,489 Bulgarian-Americans currently reside in the United States. Many argue that this number is incorrect, due to the fact that the US government made a practice of not distinguishing Bulgarians from Serbs or Montenegrins for an extended period of time. Many believe that the figure may be as many as 250,000 or more. It is estimated that Bulgarians immigrate to the United States at a rate of 1,000 a year, the majority of whom are skilled workers and professionals that are seeking to escape the political and economic instability created by the demise of Communist government in 1989. According to the US Census the largest Bulgarian-American populations are located in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. A large Bulgarian-American population also resides in the Midwest, mainly in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.

Major Religions and Beliefs

The majority of Bulgarians belong to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, a branch of Eastern Orthodoxy. Other popular denominations include Muslim, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Protestant. There has been a great increase in public worship and religious observance since the decline of Communist control in 1989. The church has served a center for the Bulgarian-American community, providing services in Bulgarian as well as social events and services to aid new immigrants acclimating to the United States. 

History, Traditions and Culture

While Bulgarian-Americans do not make up a large percentage of the United States' population, they have managed to preserve their heritage and culture while assimilating to American life. Many third generation Bulgarian-Americans are experiencing a revival of their ethnic roots and traditions, such as folk dance and music, as well as a new wave of popularity among Bulgarians and non-Bulgarians alike.

Consulates

Bulgarian Consulate General

121 E 62nd Street

New York, NY 10021

t. (212) 935-4646

f. (212) 319-5955

consul@consulbulgaria-ny.org