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The Lebanese Muslims and their descendants are the largest group of non indigenous Muslims in the United States. They are divided into two distinct groups the Sunni and Shi"ite Muslims. The Sunni represent the major Muslim sect and Shi"ite about 10 % of all Muslims. However the opposite is true in Lebanon. It is hard to know for sure how many Lebanese were among the early immigrants because Lebanon was seen as part of the Greater Syria. In addition since so few Muslims emigrated from Lebanon in the first half of the century, it is nearly impossible to distinguish a difference between Sunnis and Shi"ites. Of the 39 thousand Syrian/Lebanese immigrants that entered the U.S. from 1909-1914, roughly 10% were Muslim. Though they had their differences in Lebanon, being Muslims in a Christian country unified the two distinct groups. In the late 70's and 80's a Lebanese Civil War erupted, there was an Iranian Revolution, and an invasion of Shi"ite are by Israel. All of these reasons caused the Sunnis and Shi"ite flock to the United States in the thousands. This was the largest recordable wave of Lebanese immigrants. Entire families left, escaping warfare. It is estimated that 39 thousand people fled to the U.S. .
The arrival of African Muslims is due to 3 major developments. First, the Cold War caused the U.S to recruit young Africans to attend U.S. colleges and universities during the 60's. Secondly, the independence of African nations from colonial rule in the 60's and 70's snowballed into commercial and trade ties which established African embassies and consultants in the United States. It is estimated that 60-80% of persons involved in New York businesses are Muslims. Finally, the fascination with America after the arrival of the Peace Corps caused a greater desire for the promises that the United States had to offer. .
Bosnian Muslims is another large group that has entered the US since 1992.
