Chicago – January 21, 2026
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has emphasized the vital role immigrants play in driving the United States economy, pointing to their powerful contributions as innovators and entrepreneurs. Speaking about the country’s economic foundations, Pritzker noted that nearly half of America’s Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their first-generation children.
He argued that while immigrants fill essential jobs and pay taxes that support the nation’s growth, their entrepreneurial spirit represents a much larger force behind U.S. prosperity. According to Pritzker, immigrants come to America with gratitude, ambition, and patriotism—qualities that often translate into groundbreaking businesses and job creation.
The governor’s remarks underscore a broader economic reality backed by numerous studies: immigrant-led innovation continues to fuel major sectors of the economy, from technology and manufacturing to healthcare. Pritzker’s comments reinforce the idea that America’s immigrant communities remain central to its competitive edge.
