These 5 immigrants made their mark on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list
It’s no secret that ever since Donald Trump was elected president, immigrants have been unfairly blamed for the United States’ issues.
For one thing, Trump’s declaration that he’d build a wall between the United States and Mexico was one of his biggest rallying cries throughout his campaign.
And after his election, his travel ban targeted seven Muslim-majority countries, preventing their citizens from entering the US. If you tie that in with the sweeps of deportations of undocumented immigrants, and the administration’s removal of the DACA program, its easy to see why immigrants are scared for their lives here.
Meanwhile, white Americans continue to shoot up music festivals and churches without any legislation being enacted to stop them. It’s clear there’s a bias at work here.
READ ALSO: Trump orders punishment of cities that protect undocumented immigrants
Even before Trump won, the odds were stacked against immigrants who might not enjoy the same privileges as native-born Americans. That’s why its so important that we recognize the successes of immigrants in this country. Here, we’re celebrating the achievements of the immigrants who made the Forbes 30 under 30 List, a coveted spot for budding young success stories.
1. Rocco Basilico
From: Italy
When Rocco took over Luxottica’s luxury eyewear brand Oliver Peoples in November 2016, he helped increase the label’s North America retail footprint from 14 to 30 stores, and the company earned $70 million dollars in revenue. Currently, he is reimagining the retail strategy for Ray Ban.
2. Meriem Bennani
From: Rabat, Morocco
This video artist became a viral sensation when she released a parody reality TV show, Fardaous Funjab. More of her work can be found in museums all over NYC, from the Jewish Museum to MoMa Ps1.
3. Jourdan Dunn
From: London, England
A pioneer in the modeling industry for speaking up about the issues facing models of color, Jourdan has been on Forbes Top Earning Models List twice.
READ ALSO: Camila Cabello’s Havana video is “dedicated to the dreamers”
4. Awol Erizku
From: Ethiopia, but raised in the South Bronx
In case you didn’t know the photographer that shot Beyonce’s iconic pregnancy reveal photo series, now you know.
5. Maria Kasakova
From: Siberia
Maria was a finalist for the 2017 LVMH prize, and had a limited clothing line for Bergdorf Goodman, with Puma athletic wear that was altered by beading, appliques, and embroidery. Maria derived her label’s name, JAHNKOY from a Tartar word that means “new spirit village.”
READ ALSO: How being the daughter of immigrants taught Sahra Wang how to hustle
