Dedication by those who’ve immigrated to the States is indeed a testament to making smart choices, but that doesn’t mean they’re smarter. In my experience, there’s nothing unique about the Chinese student or engineer that promotes the idea they’re “smarter” than their “White” counterparts. Perhaps your experience was different.
do a google for “IQ World Map”
I’ve worked with engineers from around the world. The best are American and German. Chinese engineers are from an inchoherent culture and have to be watched and guided constantly. You have to double check everything they do and always, always, expect that they will get it wrong.
The best Chinese engineers are from Hong Kong - wonder why? Indian engineers are pretty good too.
But the best engineers I’ve worked with are Americans, period.