In an extraordinary milestone, the United States is now home to an unprecedented 125 billionaires who were born abroad. This diverse cohort of entrepreneurs and innovators originates from more than 40 countries and collectively controls a staggering 1.3 trillion dollars, representing 18 percent of the nation’s total billionaire wealth of 7.2 trillion dollars. USAFIS proudly highlights this as a remarkable testament to America’s enduring magnetism for global talent.
Despite the challenges of starting anew, an impressive 93 percent of these immigrant billionaires are self-made, showcasing extraordinary resilience and ambition. Their success spans sectors such as cybersecurity, aviation, artificial intelligence, venture capital, and more, illustrating how new Americans continue to reshape the U.S. economy.
Indian Origin Immigrants Lead the Way
Indian born billionaires are now the most represented group on Forbes’ 2025 list, with 12 individuals topping the charts and overtaking Israel, which once held the lead. At the forefront is Jay Chaudhry, founder and CEO of Zscaler, whose cybersecurity empire has propelled him to an estimated net worth of 17.9 billion dollars. His journey from a Himalayan village with no electricity to global tech leadership exemplifies the American Dream at its finest.
Closely following are other prominent names such as Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures with 9.2 billion dollars, Rakesh Gangwal of IndiGo Airlines with 6.6 billion dollars, AI entrepreneur Romesh T. Wadhwani with 5 billion dollars, and Rajiv Jain of GQG Partners with 4.8 billion dollars. Their combined influence spans critical industries driving today’s economy.
What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants
For prospective newcomers seeking opportunities in the U.S., this achievement underscores the power of innovation and perseverance. As part of the USAFIS mission, immigrants can draw inspiration from these stories of extraordinary achievement, which prove that fresh starts can lead to immense success.
These immigrant billionaires not only contribute immense wealth to the American fabric, but they also bring invaluable leadership, new industries, and global perspectives. As USAFIS helps clients navigate their own journeys, the rise of these billionaires highlights the very essence of what immigration can achieve, transforming challenges into legacies.
In celebrating this historic ranking, we recognize that behind the numbers are narratives of courage, vision, and relentless drive. The story of America’s richest immigrants is one that resonates deeply with USAFIS’s core values, empowering individuals to turn dreams into reality.
