Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Fueling America’s Next Economic Boom

Immigrant Entrepreneurship

Immigration and Innovation: A Historic Connection

The United States has long been a magnet for ambitious individuals seeking opportunity. Immigrants aren’t just participants in the American economy—they’re builders of it. From tech giants to family-owned businesses, their ventures drive innovation, create jobs, and keep the U.S. competitive on the global stage.

Nearly 45% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, proving this impact is structural, not anecdotal.

Why Immigrants Become Entrepreneurs

Crossing borders often means taking risks—a mindset closely aligned with entrepreneurship. Immigrants bring unique perspectives, resilience, and an ability to identify opportunities others overlook. Studies show they are twice as likely to launch businesses as native-born citizens, from Silicon Valley startups to Main Street enterprises.

The Challenges They Face

Despite their drive, immigrant entrepreneurs encounter obstacles such as:

• Limited access to capital and credit

• Complex regulatory environments

• Language and cultural barriers

Support systems like SCORE and Hello Alice provide mentorship and resources, but broader policy reform is key to unlocking their full potential.

Policy and Opportunity

Programs like the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program demonstrate how immigration and economic growth can align. Yet policy instability—shifting visa rules, inconsistent enforcement—creates uncertainty.

Thoughtful reforms could attract even more global talent and capital.

A Personal Perspective

As a former mayor of a U.S.-Mexico border city, Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, and Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I’ve seen firsthand how cross-border talent and trade reshape communities. Today, as CEO of Intermestic Partners—an international advisory firm founded in 2011 specializing in cross-border trade and development—I work with top global companies navigating these same opportunities.

Call to Action

Immigrant entrepreneurship isn’t just about individual success; it’s about national strength. Let’s collaborate to harness this energy—connect with Intermestic Partners to explore solutions that build growth, innovation, and resilience across borders.