Baltimore's Immigration History
Baltimore has been a city of immigrants since its founding, with waves of migration shaping its neighborhoods, culture, and economy across centuries.
Flavor Profile
You strongly prefer engaging through established channels over risky confrontations
You draw on both hope and frustration depending on the situation
You tend toward supporting roles while occasionally stepping forward
You lean toward lighter involvement while occasionally going deeper
Baltimore’s story is inseparable from the story of immigration. From German and Irish immigrants in the 19th century to the diverse communities from Latin America, Africa, and Asia today, each wave has left its mark on the city.
Historical Waves
- 1800s: German and Irish immigrants built neighborhoods like Fells Point and Locust Point
- Early 1900s: Eastern European Jewish and Italian communities established in East Baltimore
- Late 1900s: Korean, Vietnamese, and Ethiopian communities grew following global conflicts
- 2000s-Present: Growing Latino population, particularly from Central America and Mexico
Legacy of Harm
Baltimore also carries histories of exclusion and enforcement:
- Chinese Exclusion Act impacts on local communities
- Deportation campaigns of the 1930s
- Post-9/11 immigrant surveillance programs
- Recent 287(g) agreements and their community impacts
Understanding this history helps us recognize patterns and build on legacies of resistance.
Volunteer at a Citizenship Workshop
Help eligible immigrants complete naturalization applications at free community workshops that provide assistance and legal screening.
Research Local Immigration Policies
Dig into your city or county's policies on immigration enforcement cooperation, sanctuary provisions, and immigrant-inclusive services.
Attend a Know Your Rights Training
Learn about your constitutional rights during immigration encounters and how to exercise them safely. Many local organizations offer regular trainings.