[lmeyerov]

We came to the US with a few suit cases and had to abandon all property in our home country. In general, many immigrants move to start over due to the relative lack of opportunity at home, whether due to politics, crime, economy, whatever.

I do agree with the original point. Nowadays, most STEM PhD students at top US schools are immigrants. When I look at the work, delayed gratification, etc, native Americans forgoing a STEM PhD seems a rather rational choice. Starting a company feels like a similar decision.. a lot of pain for statistically low gain.