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.

Every June the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) honors the best in fashion design at the CFDA Fashion Awards. Established in 1981, these awards are the “highest honor” in fashion honoring outstanding contributions to American fashion in women’s wear, men’s wear, and accessories, as well as journalism and lifetime achievement, among other categories. The event, held last week, celebrated not only some of the world’s greatest fashion designers working in America, but also importantly, immigrants. “Fashion is an industry where the real insiders are all outsiders,” Pat McGrath, British makeup artist and winner of the Founder's Award, told the crowd. That statement was especially true this year: the top three major awards of the evening—for Designer of the Year in women’s wear, men’s wear, and accessories—went to foreign designers working in the US.