10 Legendary Americans Who Began As Immigrants

Many of America’s most iconic figures began their journeys abroad. Their stories demonstrate how immigration has shaped the nation’s development. As historian Howard Zinn once said, “America has always been a land of immigrants, whose contributions shaped its destiny.” Keep reading to find out who they are!

Albert Einstein

Few names evoke as much reverence in the world of science as Albert Einstein. A German native, Einstein sought refuge in the U.S. in 1933 to flee Nazi persecution. His revolutionary contributions to physics forever altered our understanding of the universe, making him one of the most influential minds in history.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arriving in the U.S. with barely a dollar to your name and a dream of making it big. That’s exactly how Arnold Schwarzenegger began his journey. Hailing from Austria, he became a global phenomenon. First through bodybuilding, then by conquering Hollywood, and eventually by becoming California’s governor.

Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie’s story reads like an epic film plot. Growing up in poverty in Scotland, he and his family decided to move to the U.S. What followed was a meteoric rise from factory work to building a steel empire. Carnegie’s journey is a prime example of the American Dream.

Sergey Brin

Born in Moscow and later relocating to the U.S., Sergey Brin’s journey proves that innovation can spring from the most unexpected beginnings. Teaming up with Larry Page, the two revolutionized the internet by co-founding Google. Exactly the company that has since become integral to our daily lives.

Madeleine Albright

A tale of resilience defines Madeleine Albright’s journey to American politics. Fleeing post-war Czechoslovakia, Albright and her family eventually found a new home in the U.S. She broke historical barriers by becoming the first female U.S. Secretary of State to shape diplomacy on the world stage.

Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla’s immigrant story is one of vision and ingenuity. Originally from what is now Croatia, Tesla arrived in the U.S. in 1884 with a desire to bring his groundbreaking electrical ideas to life. His innovations laid the groundwork for the modern technological world, though he often faced little recognition during his lifetime.

Henry Kissinger

From a young refugee fleeing Nazi Germany to a powerhouse in global diplomacy, Henry Kissinger’s impact is clear. After emigrating to the U.S., he became a pivotal figure in foreign policy, serving as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, with his influence shaping the Cold War era.

Bob Hope

Born in England and arriving in the U.S. as a young child, Bob Hope’s legacy grew through his unforgettable humor and service to the nation. His dedication to entertaining troops during wartime made him a lasting figure of resilience, capturing the spirit of America.

John Paul Jones

Though often overlooked, John Paul Jones played a significant role in the American Revolution. A Scottish native who moved to America, he quickly rose in the U.S. Navy. His defiant words, “I have not yet begun to fight!” continue to inspire courage and resolve during tough times.

Rita Moreno

The entertainment world witnessed a trailblazer in Rita Moreno, whose perseverance and talent led her to become one of the few to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Her journey from Puerto Rico to the U.S. shaped a legacy that defied barriers.