While U.S. lawmakers debate the effects of immigrants on the U.S. economy, check out these major companies — staples of the American economy, and employers of millions of residents — that were founded by people born outside the U.S.
Google
One of the founders of your favorite search engine is Russian businessman Sergey Brin. The name Google was in fact inspired by the Russian world “Googol,” which signifies a 1 followed by 100 zeros.
AT&T
One of the largest service providers for the iPhone was founded by Scottish immigrant, Alexander Graham Bell. Bell came to the U.S. to instruct deaf individuals. That line of work led him to invent the microphone and eventually the telephone.
Goldman Sachs
The multinational investment-banking firm was started by a German gentleman named Marcus Goldman. The firm was started in 1869 in New York City in an office the size of a closet.
eBay
The site that attracts bargain shoppers and auction lovers alike was founded by Frenchman Pierre Omidyar. Notable fact about Omidyar: he and his wife are the largest private donors towards efforts to stop human trafficking.
Radio Shack
Your hub for everything electronic was founded by Englishmen Theodore and Milton Deutschmann. The store borrowed its name from the wooden compartment on ships that held radio equipment. Its flagship store opened in Boston in 1921.
Kohl’s
Fashion bargain shoppers have Polishman Maxwell Kohl to thank for this chain that offers brand name, discount apparel and home goods. Kohl’s began as a small grocery store in 1927 after Maxwell had worked all over Milwaukee saving up money for the business.
Comcast
The largest cable operator and owner of NBCUniversal was started by Daniel Aaron, a German who began his career in the U.S. as a journalist. While Aaron was writing a story about a cable company, his curiosity about the industry took off.
Big Lots!
This furniture wholesale megastore was started by a Russian, Sol Shenk. It was originally an auto parts wholesale shop when it opened in 1967.
Yahoo!
The home page for many Internet users and a daily source for news and entertainment, Yahoo! Was founded by a Taiwanese Jerry Yang.
Nordstrom
One of the country’s top department stores was founded by a Swede – John W. Nordstrom. Nordstrom came to the U.S. in 1887 at age 16 with no more than $5 to his name.