The paper studies the formation and current status of the Saudi Arabian diaspora in the US – a small but socially and economically significant group within the Arab-American community. Despite its humble size (approx. 30,600 according to the 2020 census data), the diaspora is highly educated; professionally involved in the energy, technology, and business sectors; and has strong ties to the elites of both countries. It was formed on the basis of student and labour migration, which began in the 1960s and 1970s. The article also examines the diaspora’s religious and cultural institutions, limited political activities, and the presence of both pro-Kingdom structures and critical dissidents. The author pays special attention to Riyadh’s transnational influence and the reaction of American society to the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018, which highlights the dual function of the diaspora as both a bridge between the two states and a platform for sharing different political and ideological viewpoints.
Saudi Arabia; the US; Saudi diaspora; Arab Americans; US-Saudi relations.