America’s Richest Immigrants 2025
In 2025, a record 125 foreign-born U.S. citizens have made their way into the billionaire ranks. Hailing from 41 countries, they’re not just stories of personal triumph—they’re a testament to the enduring power of the American Dream, fueling innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Meenu Rapria. 
For the first time, Indian-born entrepreneurs have taken the lead as the largest group of immigrant billionaires in the United States, surpassing Israel. Twelve Indian-origin business leaders now hold billionaire status in America.
Top Five Richest Indian-Origin Entrepreneurs in the U.S.:
Jay Chaudhry – Founder & CEO of Zscaler. From a Himalayan village to building a $17.9 billion cybersecurity empire, Chaudhry tops the list.
Vinod Khosla – Co-founder of Sun Microsystems and powerhouse venture capitalist at Khosla Ventures, with a net worth of $9.2 billion.
Rakesh Gangwal – Co-founder of India’s IndiGo Airlines and former CEO of US Airways, worth $6.6 billion.
Romesh T. Wadhwani – Founder of AI software firm SymphonyAI, with $5 billion in wealth.
Rajiv Jain – Founder of investment giant GQG Partners, valued at $4.8 billion.
Overall, 14% of America’s billionaires are immigrants, and 93% of them are self-made, collectively holding an estimated $1.3 trillion in wealth.
Icons of the Immigrant Success Story
Shahid Khan
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Khan came to the U.S. as a student and went on to buy Flex-N-Gate, turning it into one of America’s top auto parts suppliers. He also owns the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and England’s Fulham FC, with a personal fortune of $13.3 billion.
Peggy Cherng
Originally from Myanmar, Peggy Cherng co-founded Panda Express in 1983. Today, the chain operates thousands of locations, and Cherng is one of the most successful immigrant women in American business, with $3.7 billion to her name.
Miriam Adelson
A physician by training, Miriam Adelson inherited the Las Vegas Sands casino empire and transformed it into a global gaming powerhouse. She is now worth $29.5 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world.
Tope Awotona
From Nigeria to Silicon Valley, Awotona’s journey with Calendly—a scheduling platform now valued at over $1.4 billion—has made him one of the most influential Black immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Why It Matters
Immigrant entrepreneurs are more than success stories—they are economic catalysts. They have founded nearly half of Fortune 500 companies, generated millions of jobs, and reshaped industries from technology to hospitality. Many came with little more than an idea, turning ambition into impact on a global scale.
Lessons for Businesses & Policymakers
Global Talent Magnetism – The U.S. remains the top destination for ambitious entrepreneurs, a critical advantage in an era of global competition.
Opportunity Infrastructure – Pro-growth policies, startup-friendly regulations, and access to capital remain vital to sustaining this entrepreneurial pipeline.
The Power of Diversity – These stories reinforce the importance of inclusive economic ecosystems that reward merit and innovation.
The Bigger Picture
America’s richest immigrants of 2025 are proof that innovation knows no borders. Whether building tech empires, transforming industries, or redefining global brands, they are reshaping the U.S. economy—and proving that the American Dream is alive, thriving, and more diverse than ever.
