This New Jersey immigrant has been named the most inspiring of all time

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NEW YORK, NY – A new survey from Guide2Fluency highlights the most inspiring immigrants in America, recognizing individuals who have left an indelible mark on the nation through their innovation, resilience and contributions to science, art, politics and culture.

The survey of 3,000 respondents highlighted figures such as Albert Einstein, whose groundbreaking work while studying at Princeton University in New Jersey topped the list. Einstein’s contributions to physics redefined humanity’s understanding of the universe and cemented New Jersey’s reputation as a center for intellectual excellence.

California was prominently featured, with tech mogul Elon Musk and actor and governor Arnold Schwarzenegger coming in second and third. Musk’s leadership at Tesla and SpaceX transformed the tech industry, while Schwarzenegger’s evolution from Austrian immigrant to Hollywood star and governor of California was a symbol of perseverance and adaptability.

New York dominated the list with icons such as Nikola Tesla, Madeleine Albright, Irving Berlin, Elie Wiesel and Joseph Pulitzer. Tesla’s revolutionary advances in electricity and wireless technology were born in the New York innovation ecosystem, while Pulitzer’s transformation of The New York World and the establishment of the Pulitzer Prizes cemented his journalistic legacy.

Other figures included Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, who advocated for labor rights in West Virginia, and Henry Kissinger, who rose from refugee to one of the most influential diplomats in U.S. history, with his time in Massachusetts shaping his career.

Infographic showing each state’s most inspiring immigrant

In New Jersey, respondents named Albert Einstein as their favorite, but they also celebrated Thomas Nast, a political cartoonist of German descent. Known for creating iconic American images such as Uncle Sam and Santa Claus, Nast used his art to influence political discourse and American culture.

The survey highlights the transformative contributions of immigrants and shows how their unique perspectives and expertise have enriched every area of ​​American life.

Immigrants like Einstein, Tesla and Pulitzer show how embracing diversity advances America’s legacy of innovation and cultural progress.