Many Hollywood stars become household names after finding their big break, which is why a lot of performers travel to the United States to try their luck in making it big. While becoming famous is not an easy feat, there are immigrants who eventually became citizens that prove that it IS possible.
Salma Hayek
Born in Mexico, Salma Hayek began her career in her home country, acting in telenovelas before she moved to Los Angeles in 1991 to study the craft. She overstayed in the United States when her visa expired and was undocumented before she finally received her citizenship in 2013.
The celebrity makes sure that she celebrates her roots by being active in the Mexican community. Salma also pays homage to her heritage by teaching her child everything about it – from the food to the language and music.
Sofia Vergara
Sofia Vergara is born and raised in Colombia and when his brother died, her family relocated to Miami in 1998. However, she was only able to acquire US citizenship in 2014.
Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock | Sofia Vergara became a US citizen in 2014
She may be best known for playing Gloria in the sitcom ‘Modern Family’ since the show premiered in 2009. That means Sofia has been working in the industry for quite some time before she actually got her green card.
Liam Neeson
The ‘Taken’ star has relatively become synonymous with the action genre but did you know that he was born in Ireland? Liam Neeson became a huge star in Great Britain before he went to the United States in the late 1980s. He officially became an American in 2009.
CarlaVanWagoner/Shutterstock | Liam Neeson’s accent became an issue to some directors
At the start of his career in America, Liam faced some hurdles that were related to his Irish roots. There were directors who had problems with his accent.
Pamela Anderson
You may be shocked to know that Pamela Anderson is really not from the United States even though the media has portrayed her to be the ultimate Californian superstar. The ‘Baywatch’ star is actually born in British Columbia, Canada, and only became a US citizen in 2004.
Camila Cabello
She may be one of the biggest singers of today but she is not shying away from her roots. Camila Cabello, who was born in Cojimar, Cuba, shared that she and her mom crossed the border when she was just 6, thinking that she was going to Disney World.
Ismael Quintanilla III/Shutterstock | Camila Cabello crossed the border when she was 6
The former Fifth Harmony member has been vocal about her culture and has supported the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
