We were recently moved by Stuart Anderson’s article in Forbes “The Most Inspiring Immigration Stories of 2025” which celebrates and shares the stories of immigrants who have shaped American innovation, culture, and opportunity, across science, sports, public service, and everyday life. Together, the stories told by Mr. Anderson illustrate a common theme that cannot be forgotten especially these days when immigration is depicted as a threat to our country. As we are fortunate to experience every day in our practice, when immigrants are given opportunity, they contribute not only to economic growth and scientific advancement, but to the character, creativity, and resilience of the United States itself. As a country founded by immigrants we must champion the contributions made by those who have emigrated in search of the American Dream.
According to research from the National Foundation for American Policy, since 2000, immigrants account for roughly 40% of the Nobel Prizes won by Americans in chemistry, medicine, and physics. Nobel Prize–winning chemist Omar Yaghi, arrived in the United States from Jordan as a teenager with limited English and few resources. Through public education, persistence, and opportunity, he rose to become a leading scientist at UC Berkeley, pioneering breakthroughs that earned him the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Economist Joel Mokyr, born in the Netherlands to Holocaust survivors, followed a similar path. He came to the US as a student and ultimately helped reshape how scholars understand technological progress and economic growth, work that earned him a 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.
Throughout history, immigrants have also enriched American culture and sports. From Japanese-born staff and players energizing minor league baseball to international stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani helping lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to 2025 World Series glory, immigrant talent continues to elevate America’s most beloved pastimes. Their stories highlight why US institutions, from baseball teams to businesses, seek out talent from around the world.
Beyond fame and public accolades, immigrants and those who welcome them have transformed communities. Veterans like Charles Watts and his father helped Vietnamese refugees rebuild their lives after the Vietnam War, creating lasting bonds that strengthened entire cities. In medicine, Chinese-born researcher Zhen Xu’s curiosity-led discovery of a noninvasive ultrasound cancer treatment holds promise for reducing suffering for patients worldwide. Public service and civic leadership also reflect this legacy. Former Congresswoman Mia Love, who passed away in March 2025, shared her story of how her parents arrived from Haiti with little money but strong faith in America’s promise. Her family values shaped her commitment to responsibility, opportunity, community, and public service.
As we reflect on these stories and look forward to 2026, we remain committed to championing the immigration goals of exceptional individuals whose talent and leadership strengthen the United States. By supporting innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, and professionals, we help drive economic growth, enrich communities, and invest in the nation’s future. Our focus remains on successfully leading extraordinary talent to lead, build, and thrive in the US.