Famous Immigrant Birthdays in September

CitizenPath recognizes September birthdays for famous, accomplished and notable immigrant Americans. Thank an immigrant for making the USA great. History has proven that immigrants help spur creativity, invention and new job growth. Immigration reform will help the best and brightest doctors, engineers, entertainers and entrepreneurs stay in the United States. Our list features foreign-born persons who became permanent residents or citizens of the United States.

Seiji Ozawa, Japanese American immigrant
Photo credit: Don Hunstein

Seiji Ozawa (born September 1, 1935) is a Japanese American conductor best known as the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Vienna State Opera.

Gloria Estefan, Cuban American immigrant, one of many famous immigrant birthdays in September
Photo credit: Dan & Corina Lecca

Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García de Estefan (born September 1, 1957), known professionally as Gloria Estefan, is a Cuban American singer-songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. The seven-time Grammy Award winner is one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.

Xiong Yan, Chinese American immigrant
Photo credit: AG0ST1NH0

Major Xiong Yan (born September 1, 1964) is a Chinese American political dissident, service member, and author who came to the U.S. after being a student leader in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. He serves as a chaplain in the U.S. Army.

Padma Lakshmi, Indian American immigrant
Photo credit: Deliciousent

Padma Parvati Lakshmi (born September 1, 1970) is an Indian American cookbook author, actress, model and television host. She wrote Easy Exotic, a popular debut cookbook and is an Emmy-nominated host of the Top Chef reality television program.

Andy Grove, Hungarian American immigrant, one of many notable immigrant birthdays in September
Photo credit: Intel

Andrew “Andy” Grove (September 2, 1936 - March 21, 2016) was a Hungarian American businessman, engineer and author who is credited with transforming Intel into a semiconductor giant as its third CEO. In 1997, Time magazine chose him as "Man of the Year."

Salma Hayek, Mexican American immigrant, one of many notable immigrant birthdays in September
Photo credit: Georges Biard

Salma Hayek Jiménez (born September 2, 1966) is a Mexican American film actress, director and producer. She produced an Academy Award-nominated feature and went on to executive produce the Golden Globe winning series Ugly Betty. Hayek is also an outspoken advocate for increasing awareness about violence against women and discrimination against immigrants.

Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette honorary US citizen from France
 

Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette (September 6, 1757 – May 20, 1834), known simply as Lafayette, was a French aristocrat and military officer who served as a major-general in the Continental Army under George Washington. He was granted honorary U.S. citizenship in 2002.

John Liu Fugh, Chinese American immigrant, notable immigrant birthdays in September
Photo credit: U.S. Army

Major General John Liu Fugh (September 12, 1934 – May 11, 2010) was the first Chinese American to attain general officer status in the U.S. Army. He was the Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army.

Sir Michael Moritz, British American immigrant
Photo credit: TechCrunch

Sir Michael Jonathan Moritz (born September 12, 1954) is a Welsh American venture capitalist, philanthropist and journalist. Moritz was a former staff writer at Time magazine and previously served on Google's board of directors.

Béla Károlyi, Romanian American immigrant, one of many notable immigrant birthdays in September
Photo credit: Taty2007

Béla Károlyi (born September 13, 1942) is a Hungarian-born Romanian American gymnastics coach who has coached both Romanian and United States Olympic teams to medal-winning success. Famous gymnasts he has trained include Nadia Comăneci, Mary Lou Retton and Kerri Strug.

Robert Herjavec, Yugoslavian-born Canadian American immigrant
Photo credit: Herjavec Group

Robert Herjavec (born September 14, 1962) is a Yugoslavian-born Canadian American businessman, investor, and TV personality. Most people know Herjavec as one of the "sharks" on ABC's Shark Tank TV series.

Bert Fung, Chinese American immigrant
Photo credit: UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering

Yuan-Cheng “Bert” Fung (born September 15, 1919) is a Chinese American bio-engineer who is regarded as a founding figure of bioengineering, tissue engineering, and the “Founder of Modern Biomechanics.”

Greta Garbo, Swedish American immigrant
Photo credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Greta Garbo (September 18, 1905 – April 15, 1990) was a Swedish American film actress and an international star and icon during Hollywood’s silent and classic periods.

Konstantin Guericke, German American immigrant
 

Konstantin Guericke (born September 19, 1967) is a German American technologist, entrepreneur and investor. He is best known as one of the co-founders of LinkedIn. Guericke continues to work with start ups and mentor students at Stanford University.

Samantha Power (born September 21, 1970) is an Irish American academic, author and diplomat. Power is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author who served as the 28th United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Marilyn Strickland (born September 25, 1962) is a South Korean American politician who serves as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 10th congressional district. She was previously the Mayor of Tacoma, Washington.

Eberhard Anheuser, German American immigrant, one of many notable immigrant birthdays in September
 
Eberhard Anheuser (September 27, 1806 – May 2, 1880) was a German American chemist and entrepreneur. He was known mostly as a soap manufacturer until he entered the beer industry, founding what is now Anheuser Busch with his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch.
Lenny Krayzelburg, Ukrainian American immigrant
 

Lenny Krayzelburg (born September 28, 1975) is a Ukrainian American backstroke swimmer who won four gold medals in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Krayzelburg was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2011.

Would you like to add more famous immigrant birthdays in September? Share them with us on Twitter. Include the person’s name and birthday.

Throughout our nation's history, immigrant contributions have been astonishing. CitizenPath stands behind immigrants and their families. Every day, we’re working to make the path a little easier. Our online immigration services help individuals navigate the immigration system. It’s our honor to serve this role.

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