From past to present, immigrants have been a crucial part in the founding and the development of the United States. Because of their hard work, our economy, culture, and general livelihood have benefited. In fact, a lot of the things we consider distinctly “American” were actually invented by immigrants from across the globe—from cheeseburgers to the classic blue denim jeans. However, many don’t seem to realize just how much this is the case, or blatantly refuse to give credit where credit is due. So, to help us remember exactly how much immigrants have already made America great, here’s a list of 8 immigrant-made inventions that likely wouldn’t exist without them:

1. Cheeseburgers

Ask anyone what an American meal looks like, and they’ll probably include cheeseburgers. However, did you know that immigrants invented both hamburgers and American cheese? While the exact history of the hamburger isn’t certain, many credit Danish-American Louis Lassen with developing the popular sandwich in 1900. On the other hand, Canadian-American James L. Kraft innovated upon and patented a method for making shelf-stable cheese back in 1916, creating the American cheese we know and use today.

2. Denim Jeans

Blue denim jeans are another American staple. Versatile and functional, their furthest origins date back to 1600s France. However, the blue denim cotton jeans we know today are credited to Bavarian immigrant Levi Strauss and Nevada-born Jacob Davis, who patented the jeans and worked together as business manufacturer and factory superintendent to produce the durable work pants. Later, their patent was signed over to the famous denim brand Levi Strauss & Co. Now, Strauss is recognized as “the inventor of the quintessential American garment” on the company website.

3. Basketball

Ranking as the second most popular sport in the United States, basketball was established in 1891 by YMCA teacher and Canadian immigrant Dr. James Naismith, who also authored the first official basketball rulebook. Not only that, but he’s also responsible for the first university basketball program in the U.S., jumpstarting the sport we know and love today. However, he’s not the only immigrant who has had an impact on American basketball: NBA player Dikembe Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and played for 6 different NBA teams throughout 18 seasons. He is known as the best shot-blocker of all time, and has since done lots of charity and advocacy work in the Congo.

4. X-Ray Microscopes

Together, Mexican-American Albert Baez and South Dakotan Paul Kirkpatrick invented the X-ray microscope at Stanford University in 1948. These microscopes “use X-rays to create high-resolution images of objects on a microscopic scale,” and pioneered scientific understanding of material property and structure at the atomic scale. Not only that, but Baez was an outspoken civil rights activist, promoting increased accessibility to education, improved scientific literacy, and peace during the Vietnam War.

5. YouTube

Did you know that 2 out of 3 of YouTube’s founders were actually immigrants? Taiwanese-American Steve Chen, German-American Jawed Karim, and American Chad Hurley created this popular video-sharing program. Because of their efforts, YouTube has risen as the most popular video-sharing platform on the internet, and has become home to many communities and influencers, and has been responsible for much of the early internet culture we look back on.

6. H Mart

While more of an innovation rather than an invention, H Mart has been a revolutionary U.S.-based grocery store chain specializing in Korean and other Asian groceries. The first store opened in Queens, NY, through the efforts of South Korean immigrant Il Yeon Kwon in 1982. His goal was to provide an inclusive place that would serve as a helping hand to other Asian immigrants hoping to bring a taste of home to the United States. Not only that, but H Mart has proved to be an educational place for non-Asian people to learn about Asian ingredients, community, and culture. This store has risen to become one of the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S.

7. Video Game Consoles

Video gaming is one of the most popular hobbies and pastimes in the United States. If you’ve ever played on a console, you likely have German-American Ralph Baer to thank. His invention of the Magnavox Odyssey, the first video game console, set the stage for the consoles we have and use today. In fact, his influence in the gaming industry has earned him the nickname “Father of Video Games.”

8. American-style Potato Salad

While no one person holds the title of the inventor of the American-style potato salad, immigrants indeed had a strong influence on the potato salad you see served at Fourth of July parties. While many credit German immigrants with the invention of the kartoffelsalat, one of the first potato salads, potatoes themselves originated in South America (specifically by the Incas in Peru). They were only brought to Europe after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. So, we should thank both the Germans and the Incas for this well-known side-dish.

There are plenty more inventions, businesses, and other successes from immigrants beyond this list. Even without these accomplishments, immigrants deserve more appreciation, respect, and, frankly, human rights than they’ve been afforded lately. Regardless, one thing is clear: immigrants make America great, in more ways than you can imagine.