The Andrew Carnegie Foundation has announced its annual tribute to naturalized U.S. citizens who have significantly contributed to American society. Marking the occasion around the Fourth of July, the foundation’s Great Immigrants, Great Americans program recognizes 25 honorees from 21 countries this year. These individuals are distinguished leaders across diverse fields including academia, the arts, business, medicine, sports, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Since its inception in 2006, the program has honored more than 790 immigrants whose achievements have enriched the United States. The initiative is inspired by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant renowned for his philanthropy, notably funding nearly 1,700 public libraries across the country. Carnegie established multiple philanthropic organizations around the world, including the Andrew Carnegie Foundation—originally founded as the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 1911. Today, the foundation focuses on supporting education, democracy, and peace, aiming to reduce political polarization in the U.S.

In conjunction with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the foundation is also recognizing the eight foreign-born signatories of the founding document. These individuals came from England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland and include Button Gwinnett, Francis Lewis, Robert Morris, James Smith, George Taylor, Matthew Thornton, James Wilson, and John Witherspoon.

As part of the observance, Kwame Anthony Appiah, a professor, author, and previous recipient of the Great Immigrants award, has contributed an essay reflecting on the essential role immigrants have played in the nation’s history. He explores how the concept of American identity continues to evolve, highlighting immigration as a foundational element of the country’s ongoing development. The essay is available on the foundation’s website.

The Andrew Carnegie Foundation’s efforts underscore the enduring influence of immigrants in shaping the United States, emphasizing their varied and significant contributions to the country’s growth and vitality.