Think immigrants only fill low-paying jobs? Think again. Immigrants are now helping shape the U.S. economy — not just from the ground up, but from the top.
As of 2025, 125 foreign-born American citizens are now billionaires in the U.S., up from 92 just three years ago. Together, they control $1.3 trillion — or 18% of all billionaire wealth in the country.
And this success isn’t just about luck or inheritance. 93% of these immigrant billionaires built their fortunes from scratch.
Where Are They From?
These billionaires come from 43 countries, but some places stand out:
- India leads with 12 immigrant billionaires (up from 7 in 2022)
- Taiwan and Israel: 11 each
- Canada: 9
- China: 8
- Germany & Iran: 6 each
This year, Indian Americans added five new billionaires, including tech giants like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Nikesh Arora (Palo Alto Networks).
Education Was Their Entry Point
Most of these billionaires came to the U.S. for higher studies. Like:
- Elon Musk, who studied at the University of Pennsylvania
- Jay Chaudhry, who arrived in 1980 from India, alone, to attend the University of Cincinnati — and is now worth nearly $18 billion
- Shahid Khan, who washed dishes for $1.20 an hour before owning an NFL team
Their journeys show how education and opportunity in the U.S. can lead to unbelievable success — especially for immigrants who dare to dream big.
Immigrants Powering U.S. Innovation
The impact doesn’t stop at wealth. Immigrants are also leading America’s most important tech breakthroughs. Meta’s new Superintelligence AI Lab? Run entirely by immigrants from India, China, South Africa, the UK, and Australia.
They’re building the future of artificial intelligence — right here in the U.S.
But There’s a Catch
Despite this success, many immigrants still face visa delays, legal uncertainty, and policy roadblocks. Immigration is getting more complex — but that also means it’s more important than ever to take the next step toward citizenship.
Whether you’re here for school, work, or family, becoming a U.S. citizen gives you freedom, protection, and full access to the American dream.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If these stories inspire you — or you’re ready to move forward with your U.S. journey — start by applying for citizenship the right way.
Success in America isn’t about where you’re from — it’s about where you’re going. If you need any other immigration application services click here.
