From Dreamers to Leaders: How Immigrants Are Shaping the Future of the U.S. Economy

I originally wrote an article about Hispanic Heritage Month and the impact of Latinos on the American economy. But while waiting in the customs line at JFK Airport, I realized that this incredible success story was not unique to Latinos but shared by nationalities worldwide. Surrounded by individuals speaking different languages—teachers, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, I didn’t see migrants; I saw the engine fueling the country’s growth.

Immigrants drive growth in nearly every sector in the U.S., from tech companies to healthcare to cybersecurity. Roughly 45% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by foreigners or their children, and nearly 80% of American unicorns have founders or leaders from abroad. 

Thirty years ago, this widespread influence would have seemed impossible. Today, immigrants and their children are building legacies driven by their parents’ sacrifices. Economic challenges, political struggles, trauma, language barriers, or imposter syndrome, we have overcome every hurdle possible and are now paving the way for the next generation.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation

Growing up with uncertainty and early responsibility motivates many to pursue income-focused careers like entrepreneurship. Build something yourself, and there is no limit to how big it can grow. Immigrants launch businesses at twice the rate of U.S.-born citizens, founding 55% of startups worth over $1 billion, despite difficulties in securing financing. Most immigrant-owned businesses are initially funded by personal savings, reflecting their determination and vision. We do not wait, we take the initiative.

We have even seen how living and working in other countries enhances innovation. A recent study showed that migrants represent 16% of all US inventors but produce 23% of total innovation output (measured by patents, citations, and the economic value of these patents). This has been connected to stronger collaboration with foreign experts, leveraging international technologies, and creating cross-border partnerships. I have spent years being part of multicultural teams, and each person subconsciously brings elements of their past to the table. This is what builds something special. 

Reaching the Top 

There’s no denying that growing up with hardship can cause stress and anxiety, but it also builds resilience. This fundamental leadership trait has been the key driving force behind the thousands of immigrants who have reached the top in virtually all industries.

In the realm of technology, Indian-born CEOs like Satya Nadella (Microsft), Sundar Pichai (Alphabet Inc), and Neal Mohan (YouTube) symbolize India’s vital role as a tech powerhouse. Indian founders make up a significant portion of the U.S.-based 650+ unicorns, second only to American founders. This makes perfect sense when you realize that 57% of the Indian population is self-employed, compared to just 10% in the United States. Leadership runs in their blood. Meanwhile, East Asian countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan have long prioritized R&D, a value that visionaries such as Jensen Huang (Nvidia) and Lisa Su (AMD) have carried with them to the U.S., revolutionizing AI and microchip production.

African entrepreneurialism thrives on solving real-world challenges, as seen in the global success of South African-born Elon Musk (Tesla), Nigerian CEOs like Tope Awotona (Calendly) and Olugbenga Agboola (Flutterwave), alongside Ugandan Ham Serunjogi (Chipper Cash). Their solutions bridge efficiency and accessibility gaps, scaling seamlessly across borders, which was done through pure resourcefulness. Doing more with less is a trait also shared in Latin America, seen by Luis von Ahn (Duolingo), who grew up in Guatemala before moving to the U.S., where he created the world’s leading language app, now valued at $11.3 billion. One of the biggest fears from immigrants (myself included) is the ability to master English. Von Ahn hasn’t just built a company; he’s helping millions overcome language hurdles and unlock their potential in new lands. By designing products that tackle everyday struggles, African and Latin American creators have impacted the lives of millions simply by improving the efficiency of everyday tasks.

When the United States faces major obstacles, migrants often provide the solutions. In cybersecurity, Israeli tech pioneers lead the way, shaped by the region’s geopolitical tensions. Companies such as Wiz and SentinelOne, both founded by Israeli entrepreneurs, safeguard American businesses and government agencies from evolving cyber risks. And when a global pandemic hit, Lebanese-born Noubar Afeyan (Moderna) played a pivotal role in administering over 230 million COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. For foreign visionaries, the land of opportunity still offers unparalleled chances for success, as seen with companies like Stripe, Grammarly, and Talkdesk, all founded by Europeans and now headquartered in San Francisco. This thriving environment enables anyone to scale their ventures without putting a limit on what’s possible.

The hyper-competitive worlds of ecommerce and retail are no different. From Israeli-born brother and sister Oran Holtzman and Shiran Holtzman Erel setting up the online beauty unicorn Il Makiage, to Laura Behrens Wu , the German-born founder and CEO of ecommerce shipping giant Shippo, the industry is flooded with foreign success stories. On top of that, Chinese companies like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress have moved in and are rapidly changing the game, setting up offices and warehouses in the U.S.

Final Words

I remember the embarrassment of my accent in that first New York meeting and the feeling of imposter syndrome. But now, renewing my L1 Visa and traveling from state to state to meet clients and partners, I’m constantly spending time with American-based immigrant leaders spearheading the future of commerce. They wear their stories and backgrounds on their sleeves, and thanks to them, the U.S. continues to thrive as the largest economy on earth!