forbes.com
Record 125 Foreign-Born Billionaires in the U.S. in 2025
As of July 7, 2025, a record 125 foreign-born U.S. citizens are billionaires, possessing a combined net worth of \$1.3 trillion and hailing from 43 countries, with the majority having achieved success in tech and finance.
- What is the significance of the record number of foreign-born billionaire U.S. citizens and their combined wealth?
- A record 125 foreign-born U.S. citizens are billionaires, possessing a combined net worth of \$1.3 trillion, representing 14% of the country's nearly 900 billionaires. This number is up from 92 in 2022, a significant increase of over one-third.
- What industries have these immigrant billionaires primarily thrived in, and what factors contribute to their success?
- These immigrants, originating from 43 countries, have primarily achieved success in the tech and finance sectors, with 93% being self-made. Their success highlights the opportunities available in the U.S. and the significant contribution of immigrants to the nation's economy. This is especially noteworthy considering that over a quarter of the overall billionaire population inherited their wealth.
- What are the potential long-term economic and societal impacts of this trend, and what policies could support or hinder its continuation?
- The surge in foreign-born billionaires underscores the ongoing attraction of the U.S. as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The continued success of immigrant entrepreneurs could lead to further economic growth and technological advancements, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining policies that support immigration and entrepreneurship. This trend may also inspire similar immigration patterns to other developed economies with thriving tech and financial sectors.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The overwhelmingly positive framing of immigrant success stories, particularly those with rags-to-riches narratives, shapes the reader's perception of immigration. The headline and introduction emphasize the record number of immigrant billionaires, creating an initial impression of extraordinary success. While highlighting individual achievements is important, the lack of balance could lead to an overly optimistic view of the overall impact of immigration.
Language Bias
The article uses language that subtly reinforces a positive narrative around immigrant success. Phrases like "rags-to-riches," "American dream," and "three-comma fortunes" evoke strong emotional responses and contribute to a celebratory tone. While not overtly biased, these choices could influence the reader's interpretation. More neutral alternatives could be used to maintain objectivity. For example, instead of "rags-to-riches", a more neutral term like "significant financial success" could be employed.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the success stories of immigrant billionaires, potentially omitting the struggles and challenges faced by many other immigrants who haven't achieved similar financial success. This omission could create a skewed perception of the immigrant experience in the U.S. Additionally, the article doesn't discuss the potential impact of these billionaires' wealth on income inequality or social mobility within the U.S. While acknowledging space constraints, this lack of context limits the reader's ability to form a comprehensive understanding.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic narrative of immigrant success, contrasting the "immigrant mindset" with a perceived lack of drive among native-born Americans. This oversimplifies the complex factors contributing to both success and hardship, ignoring the role of privilege, systemic inequalities, and chance.
Gender Bias
While the article mentions several female immigrant billionaires, their stories are less prominent than those of their male counterparts. The number of female immigrant billionaires is noted, but their individual contributions are not as extensively detailed. This imbalance in representation may unintentionally reinforce existing gender disparities.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the success of immigrant billionaires in the US, showcasing how immigration can contribute to economic growth and wealth creation, potentially reducing inequality if this wealth is distributed broadly and creates opportunities for others. However, the focus is solely on a small segment of the immigrant population, and the impact on overall inequality is not directly assessed.