In recent years, there has been a resurgence of anti-immigrant rhetoric in the United States, with some politicians going as far as to describe immigrants as criminal hoards and calling for a ban on immigration. This dangerous fiction fails to acknowledge the vast contributions that immigrants and their children have made to the country throughout its history. Immigrants have become some of the most successful contributors in fields such as business, sports, the arts, and academia, enriching American society with diverse cultures and perspectives and playing a crucial role in creating the world’s most vibrant economy.
Despite making up only 14% of the American population, immigrants have founded over one-third of new businesses and over half of startups valued over $1 billion in the country. Icons such as Nvidia, a semiconductor maker with a market cap of over $2 trillion, were founded by immigrants, highlighting the significant value that immigrants bring to the American economy. However, there have been instances in history when immigration has been questioned, leading to discriminatory policies such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which greatly restricted immigration, particularly from Asia.
As the 2024 campaign approaches, immigration has become a top issue for voters, with many calling for more stringent measures to stop illegal immigration. While the majority of Americans still believe that immigrants benefit the country, there has been a decrease in support for legal immigration in recent years due to frustrations over illegal immigration. It is crucial to strike a balance between securing borders and recognizing the competitive advantage that comes from attracting the world’s brightest and most innovative individuals to the United States. Immigrants have made significant contributions to America’s success, and stories of their journeys and achievements serve as a reminder of the enduring value of immigration to the country.
The stories of successful immigrants such as Andrew Grove, Jan Koum, and Derrick Rossi exemplify the remarkable achievements that individuals from diverse backgrounds have made in the United States. Andrew Grove, the co-founder of Intel, overcame personal adversity and political turmoil in Hungary to become a pioneering figure in the semiconductor industry, transforming Intel into one of the world’s most valuable corporations. Jan Koum, the co-founder of WhatsApp, rose from poverty in Soviet Ukraine to create a groundbreaking mobile messaging app that was ultimately acquired by Facebook for billions of dollars. Derrick Rossi, a stem cell scientist and co-founder of Moderna, played a crucial role in the development of the Covid-19 vaccine, showcasing the impact that immigrants have in advancing science and technology.
These inspiring stories highlight the resilience, innovation, and determination of immigrants who have played a pivotal role in shaping America’s success. From contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies to excelling in sports and academia, immigrants have left an indelible mark on American society. It is essential to recognize and celebrate the vast contributions that immigrants have made to the country and to ensure that the United States remains a welcoming destination for individuals from all over the world. As the nation looks towards the future, maintaining an open and inclusive immigration policy will be crucial in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and securing America’s position as a global leader in the 21st century.
