How Celebrities Got Their U.S. Immigration Status So Fast?

Saw an social media post breaking down how several big-name international celebs dealt with their U.S. immigration issues. Thought it might be interesting (and even helpful) for this community.

:briefcase: For context: foreign athletes and entertainers often come to the U.S. on P or O visas (non-immigrant), which allow them to work temporarily. Some, though, aim for green cards or even citizenship.

Here are some examples:

:red_circle: 1. Elon Musk
Born in South Africa (1971), came to the U.S. as a student. When co-founding Zip2, investors realized he didn’t have a green card and couldn’t work legally. They helped him get an EB-5 visa in 1997. He succeeded by 2002.

:red_circle: 2. Justin Bieber
Born in Canada (1994), moved to the U.S. at 13. Allegedly came on an O-1 visa (for artists/athletes). After marrying Hailey Bieber in 2018, he applied for U.S. citizenship.

:red_circle: 3. Drake
Also Canadian, Drake reportedly has U.S. citizenship—likely through his American father from Memphis. Claimed in interviews it helps with taxes.

:red_circle: 4. 21 Savage
British-born, came to the U.S. at 12 with parents. Visa expired, stayed undocumented for years. Detained by ICE in 2019. His case is still “pending,” according to lawyers.

:red_circle: 5. Rihanna
From Barbados, now a U.S. resident but doesn’t plan to naturalize. Proud of her Barbadian roots—remains a citizen there.

Anyone here gone through similar processes? EB, O, P visas? Share your experience!

Funny information. I heard back to 2000, it’s not hard to obtain a employment based green card.

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LOLLLLLLL this is so fun to reading during work.
I guess around that time it wasn’t too hard to get a job either?? I was listening to a podcast earlier today and a previously famous Taiwanese song writer/singer came to the US for MBA after he already had 4 albums and worked in consulting business for 11 years.. :shaking_face:
The company was a pretty big hit back then and even now I think… I wish my job hunting process was like that lol