NEW YORK (September 17, 2026) – Forbes gathered leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers at Forbes on Fifth in New York City on Wednesday evening to celebrate Forbes 250: America’s Most Successful Immigrants, recognizing the achievements and contributions of immigrants who have helped shape American business, culture and society.
Steve Forbes’ opening remarks at Forbes Immigrant 250 Celebration.
Andres Otero for Forbes
The celebration was part of Forbes 250, a year-long, cross-platform initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and celebrating the problem-solvers, mavericks and risk-takers who embody the American Dream. Throughout the year, the initiative has been exploring six ideals central to preserving that dream for the next 250 years: Invention, Upward Mobility, Pluralism, Reinvention, Self-Determination and Optimism.
Published in June, Forbes 250: America’s Most Successful Immigrants ranks 250 of the greatest living American immigrants, spanning business, technology, science, sports, entertainment and more.
“America owes its success to immigrants,” said Alex Knapp, Senior Editor at Forbes. “From hot dogs to the telephone to Hollywood, our culture was built by people who adopted the United States as their home.”
Alex Knapp at Forbes Immigrant 250 Celebration.
Andres Otero for Forbes
Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor in Chief of Forbes, opened the evening with welcome remarks, followed by a fireside conversation with Shahid Khan, owner of Flex-N-Gate, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC. Khan ranks No. 11 on Forbes’ list of America’s Most Successful Immigrants. Luisa Kroll, Executive Editor at Forbes, moderated the conversation, discussing identity, legacy and the American Dream with Khan.
“America is utopia,” Khan said, highlighting the large market, access to capital and limited regulation. “There is no safety net in the U.S. for immigrants,” he added. “You’re literally jumping in the deep side of the pool and you better swim.”
Khan explained how he has used his platform as an NFL team owner to host on-field naturalization ceremonies for nine years now. Most recently, he organized a halftime celebration swearing in 100 Florida residents as new American citizens during the Jaguars’ first home game of the season last Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
Fireside conversation with Shahid Khan and Luisa Kroll at Forbes Immigrant 250 Celebration.
Andres Otero for Forbes
The evening also featured The Immigrant Experience Roundtable, moderated by Alex Knapp, engaging the audience in around-the-room dialogue about coming to the United States and living the American Dream.
“We bring a superpower of adaptation,” said Raj Panjabi, an Immigrant 250 list honoree who was the founding CEO of Last Mile Health. Participants shared personal stories of adapting to life in the United States—from learning the language, to introducing international cuisines, to becoming CEO of an S&P 500 company.
Raj Panjabi speaking at Forbes Immigrant 250 Celebration.
Andres Otero for Forbes
A dozen guests started the day with a personal tour of Ellis Island in New York Harbor, led by representatives from The Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation. The facility processed 12 million immigrants between 1892 to 1954 and today welcomes more than 3 million visitors annually.
Through Forbes 250, Forbes is highlighting the people, ideas and achievements that have shaped America over its first 250 years and will help define its future. The evening celebrated the immigrant experience and the contributions of those recognized on this year’s list.
For more on Forbes 250: America’s Most Successful Immigrants, visit https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2026/06/10/forbes-250-americas-most-successful-living-immigrants/.
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