As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Forbes honors the achievements of living immigrants, showcasing individuals who have profoundly influenced various sectors, including technology, politics, and entertainment.
In anticipation of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, Forbes has released a list celebrating the most successful living immigrants in America. This compilation highlights the significant contributions of individuals who have emigrated from various countries and left a lasting impact on business, entertainment, technology, and public life. The list serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of the American Dream and the diverse paths that immigrants have taken to achieve success in their adopted homeland.
Leading Figures in Immigrant Success
At the top of the list is Arnold Schwarzenegger, an Austrian native who relocated to the United States in 1968. Schwarzenegger’s journey embodies the spirit of the American Dream. Initially gaining fame as a bodybuilding champion, he transitioned into a successful Hollywood career, becoming one of the most recognizable action stars in the world. His influence extended beyond entertainment; he served two terms as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. Schwarzenegger has often expressed pride in his American identity, stating that becoming a U.S. citizen was one of his proudest moments. His story exemplifies how immigrants can achieve remarkable success across multiple sectors.
Following Schwarzenegger is Elon Musk, originally from South Africa, who became a U.S. citizen in 2002. Musk is renowned for his role as a founder and CEO of several innovative companies, including SpaceX and Tesla. His ventures have revolutionized the aerospace and automotive industries, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in history. Musk’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement has positioned him as a central figure in discussions about sustainable energy and space exploration, showcasing the transformative power of immigrant entrepreneurship in America.
Sergey Brin, who ranks third on the list, arrived in the United States as a six-year-old refugee from the Soviet Union. Brin is best known as a co-founder of Google, a company that has fundamentally changed how people access information and interact with technology. Currently, Brin is focusing on advancing artificial intelligence initiatives at Google, highlighting the ongoing importance of innovation within the tech industry. His contributions have not only reshaped the internet but also created thousands of jobs and fueled economic growth in the technology sector.
Fourth on the list is Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, who immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan. Under Huang’s leadership, Nvidia has emerged as a leader in graphics processing units and artificial intelligence technology. The company has played a pivotal role in the AI revolution, becoming a key player in the semiconductor industry. Huang’s success illustrates how immigrant innovators can drive technological advancements that benefit the global economy.
Rupert Murdoch, an Australian media magnate, ranks fifth. Murdoch moved to the United States in 1973 and has since had a profound impact on American media and politics through his ownership of influential outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and Fox News. His media empire has not only shaped public opinion but has also been central to discussions about media ethics and the role of journalism in democracy. Murdoch’s career underscores the significant influence that immigrant entrepreneurs can wield in shaping cultural and political landscapes.
Peter Thiel, who emigrated from Germany as an infant, is positioned sixth on the list. A Stanford University graduate, Thiel co-founded PayPal and has become a notable figure in Silicon Valley as an investor and thought leader. His ventures have catalyzed the growth of numerous startups and have had a lasting impact on the tech industry. Thiel’s story is a testament to how immigrants can contribute to the innovation economy and foster new business models.
In seventh place is Thomas Peterffy, a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in New York with limited resources. Peterffy founded Interactive Brokers and is credited with pioneering electronic trading. His innovations have transformed the trading landscape, making financial markets more accessible and efficient. Peterffy’s journey highlights how immigrants can lead to significant advancements in financial technology, impacting investors and institutions alike.
Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), ranks eighth. Su immigrated to the United States at the age of three and has since been instrumental in transforming AMD into a formidable competitor in the semiconductor industry. Under her leadership, AMD has made significant strides in developing high-performance computing solutions, contributing to advancements in artificial intelligence and data processing. Su’s success story reflects the critical role that women immigrants play in the tech sector.
Ninth on the list is Vlad Tenev, who co-founded Robinhood, a financial services platform that popularized commission-free trading. Tenev moved to the U.S. as a child and has played a significant role in democratizing financial access for retail investors. His contributions have reshaped how everyday Americans engage with financial markets, highlighting the transformative potential of innovative financial technology.
Finally, Wolfgang Puck, also from Austria, rounds out the list at tenth. As a celebrity chef, Puck revolutionized American dining with his innovative “California cuisine.” He has built a culinary empire that includes restaurants, cookware, and food products. Puck’s influence on American culture underscores the diverse contributions immigrants have made to the nation’s culinary landscape, enriching the dining experience for millions.
Conclusion: The Immigrant Narrative
The Forbes list serves as an important reminder of the diverse backgrounds and journeys of immigrants who have come to the United States and achieved remarkable success. These individuals exemplify the potential that the American Dream represents and underscore the ongoing importance of immigration in shaping the nation’s identity and economic landscape. As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the stories of these successful immigrants reflect the resilience, innovation, and determination that continue to drive the country forward.
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