Little Italy: how and why the star of Italian-Americans died in the US

The decline of the Italian-American identity in the United States has reached a new stage with recent actions targeting symbols of its cultural and political presence. The latest move came from New York City’s newly elected mayor, Eric Adams, who ordered the removal of "Little Italy" from official maps of ethnic neighborhoods. This decision marks a symbolic shift away from the once-prominent Italian-American influence in urban politics. Similar efforts have been observed across the country, including the dismantling of statues honoring Christopher Columbus and Frank Rizzo, a descendant of Calabrian immigrants who held power in Philadelphia during the 1970s. In Massachusetts, the iconic tricolor lines on a street in the historic Italian-American neighborhood of Newton were removed after nearly a century before being reinstated. These acts signal a broader erosion of the distinct political and social identity known as "Italian America," which once played a key role in shaping American institutions. According to the latest American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 16.3 million Americans identify their ancestry as Italian, making up roughly one in every 21 residents. However, only around half a million of these individuals speak Italian at home, indicating a significant degree of assimilation. Despite this, Italian-Americans continue to hold prominent positions within American government. The House of Representatives, for instance, maintains a legacy of Italian-American leadership, exemplified by Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, both of Sicilian descent. Similarly, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, whose family traces roots to Calabria and Basilicata, represents another facet of Italian-American influence in high office. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, originally from southern Italy, has made his Italian heritage a notable part of his public narrative, often citing it as a foundational element of his conservative values. Political figures such as Greg Gianforte in Montana and Joe Lombardo in Nevada have also claimed Italian ancestry, though these connections have received less attention compared to DeSantis's more vocal embrace of his heritage. William Binning, a political advisor to DeSantis, noted that the governor's socially conservative stance was shaped by the Catholic education he received from his parents, emphasizing a steadfast commitment to faith that remained unaffected by life in the United States. This perspective underscores how some Italian-Americans still see their cultural and religious backgrounds as integral to their political identities. The legacy of Italian-American political influence is perhaps best embodied by the Cuomo family, particularly former governors Mario and Andrew Cuomo. Their tenure in New York saw the integration of Italian heritage into the state’s political strategy, using the immigrant community as a vital electoral asset. However, this tradition appears to be fading. Former communications director Rick Azzopardi described Andrew Cuomo as the last great Italian-American politician in the nation, noting that many in his administration had Italian roots. He recounted how the late governor fought for the canonization of Mother Cabrini, a revered figure among immigrants born in Sant' Angelo Lodigiano and brought to America by Pope Leo XIII. Even after Cuomo’s departure from office, his impact on the Italian-American political landscape remains evident. Recent changes suggest a growing disconnection between Italian-American communities and their historical political roles. As symbols of their past are increasingly erased or reinterpreted, the question arises whether the identity of Italian-Americans will continue to shape American politics or gradually fade into memory. With ongoing shifts in public perception and policy, the future of Italian-American influence remains uncertain.