US Immigrant Billionaires List Features Record Numbers, Turkish Names Noted

Forbes' 2026 list of the wealthiest foreign-born businesspeople in the United States highlights the growing economic influence of immigrant entrepreneurs. The list features a record 144 immigrant billionaires, whose total wealth has surged to $2.2 trillion, a significant increase from the $1.3 trillion held by 125 individuals in the previous year.

These immigrant entrepreneurs represent about 15% of all billionaires in the U.S. and control a substantial quarter of the nation's total billionaire wealth. Notably, three of the world's ten richest individuals are immigrants who have made their fortunes in the United States. Elon Musk, the South Africa-born entrepreneur who briefly became the world's first trillionaire, retains his top position on the list. Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, and Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia, also rank high.

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Everything went according to plan, except for the last part. I've been in the U.S. for about 32 years.

The 2026 list spans 45 different countries and regions, an increase from 42 last year. New countries represented this year include Haiti, the Philippines, Poland, and Spain. India continues to be the top country of origin for immigrant billionaires in the U.S., with 19 individuals on the list, up from 12 last year. Israel and Taiwan follow with 11 billionaires each.

Among the notable names are Turkish-born Eren and Fatih Ozmen, owners of Sierra Nevada Corporation. Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of Chobani, was classified differently by Forbes, appearing on the Forbes Turkey list with an estimated net worth of $12.2 billion. Jitendra Mohan, co-founder of Astera Labs, shared his journey, stating his initial plan was to study in the U.S. and return to his home country, but he ended up staying for 32 years.

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a journey that began with big dreams