You’ve seen all the headlines, social media debates, and extreme takes on U.S. immigration. Some are meant to inspire, others to scare. But when you strip away the noise, a clear story emerges: the United States remains one of the strongest places in the world to build wealth, launch a business, and create opportunity.
Below are solid data points and trends that back that claim — plus insights from our experience working with investor-immigrants.
1. The U.S. is an economic powerhouse
The United States has the largest nominal GDP in the world. In 2024, its GDP was around $29.2 trillion, which means U.S. businesses and markets operate at a scale few others can match.
What does that mean for you as an immigrant? It means deeper markets, greater access to capital, stronger infrastructure, and more opportunity for growth. You’re not building a business in a small or niche market — you’re playing in one of the biggest economic arenas on Earth.
2. Immigrants play an outsized role in U.S. entrepreneurship
You don’t have to take our word for it — the data speaks loudly. Immigrants, though they represent roughly 14–15 % of the U.S. population, start over 20 % of new U.S. businesses. In fact, between 2014 and 2019, immigrants accounted for 24.2 % of new business owners in the U.S.
Another report shows that immigrants owned 19.1 % of employer firms in 2022, up from 18.0 % in 2018.
In short: immigrants are not just participating in the U.S. economy — they are driving innovation, job creation, and business formation at rates higher than their share of the population.
3. Immigrant-founded companies anchor the U.S. economy
Consider this: 46 % of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Those firms together employ millions and generate trillions in revenue. That tells you something: when immigrants are allowed to bring vision and capital, they build companies that matter at the highest level.
4. Legal, structured pathways still work and continue to be used
Every day, new investor visas are granted, businesses are set up, and companies grow.
You’ll find many stories from clients who launched manufacturing operations, tech firms, or local services — under E-2, EB-5, or related investor pathways — and continue to operate successfully. The demand from U.S. authorities for credible investment, real businesses, and genuine job creation is still very real.
5. Stability, legal protections, and scalability matter
One reason people immigrate is not just opportunity, but security. The U.S. offers rule of law, property protection, contract enforcement, intellectual property systems, financial institutions, and more. Those systems don’t just benefit big corporations — they benefit every business.
As you scale, you’ll connect with suppliers, lenders, distributors, clients globally — having those institutions behind you is a major advantage. You don’t need to navigate unstable legal environments or fragile protections.
Putting it together: Why it’s still one of the best moves you can make
Between the massive economy, the proven success of immigrant entrepreneurs, and the fact that legal immigration pathways are still actively used, the U.S. remains a top-tier destination for people seeking prosperity.
Yes, there are challenges: regulatory changes, political shifts, scrutiny, and more. But those are part of the terrain. A strong plan, good legal counsel, and realistic preparation go a long way.
If you’re serious about building a better life, launching a business, or investing in your future, the U.S. is among the best stages in the world to do it.
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The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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