In this episode, Mona and Rebecca tackle the tough and unpleasant topic of bankruptcy within EB-5 investment projects, sparked by recent news of a high-profile EB-5 project bankruptcy in Utah. The hosts discuss the inherent risks of EB-5 investments, address common misconceptions about bankruptcy (including the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11), and explore how bankruptcy can impact EB-5 investors at various stages of the process. Real-world examples—including the South Dakota Meat Market project—highlight both the challenges and the potential paths forward for investors. The episode also offers practical advice on what investors can do if their project faces bankruptcy, the importance of due diligence, and why bankruptcy isn’t always the end of the road for EB-5 participants.

The European Court of Justice shocked RCBI industry earlier this year, with their ruling against Malta's popular CBI program. They appeared to call out golden visas at their core when compelling Malta to end theirs. The ECJ accused the CBI program of essentially commercializing nationality (and by extension European Union citizenship). They called it "transactional," and lacked a "genuine link" to the country. In response, Malta has been tackling ideas of ways someone can formally prove themselves worthy of citizenship, without being accused of just performing a transaction.

How does one show a genuine link to a country they've fallen in love with, but were not born in? In what way does someone audition to be a citizen? And what kind of citizen does a nation need? Malta has been fast-tracking their Citizenship by Merit program with answers to these questions. Dr. James Muscat Azzopardi sits down with Mona and Rebecca to discuss what one will now have to do to become Maltese.

Imagine this: you've waited patiently for years, navigating the labyrinth that is the EB-5 visa process. You've completed all the necessary paperwork, made your investment, and followed every guideline to the letter. You're on the cusp of a new chapter in the United States. But what was supposed to be a support is now suddenly blocking you in that final stretch. That hurdle is Escrow.

Tune in as we unpack the responsibilities of escrow management, the implications of long delays, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of using escrow in EB-5 investments. Whether you're an investor, developer, or immigration attorney, don’t let escrow be the main deterrent of a good project. Join us for a lively discussion that promises to illuminate the dance between investment and immigration!

The “Big Beautiful Act” promises to have a large impact across the board on the lives of American citizens. However, will this new tax legislation encourage high net worth individuals to move to the US? For years, the biggest deterrent for HNW Individuals coming to the United States has been the nation’s Tax Laws. Have the changes made in the Act made America a more attractive place to do business and invest in? Especially with the new looming threat of Tariffs. What has made America an attractive place for business in the past? What will it look like in the future–post-BBA, with Trump at the helm? Mona sits down with Global Tax Expert David Lesperance to discuss all this and more!

In this episode, we delve into the recent developments in the Caribbean's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, focusing on St. Kitts and Nevis' groundbreaking reforms. Prime Minister Terrance Drew has announced the introduction of mandatory residency requirements and enhanced biometric verification systems for CBI applicants. These measures aim to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the program, aligning with international standards and addressing concerns that have led to potential travel bans under U.S. immigration policies.

The proposed reforms include a mandatory physical presence period for all CBI applicants, marking a significant shift from the previous model that did not require residency. Additionally, the implementation of advanced biometric verification, such as fingerprinting and facial recognition, is set to bolster security and due diligence processes.

Industry veteran Sam Bayat joins us to provide his expert analysis on these proposed changes. He discusses the potential impact of the residency requirements on the attractiveness of CBI programs in the Caribbean, considering factors like investor preferences and regional competitiveness. Bayat also explores how these reforms might influence the future landscape of economic citizenship in the region.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving CBI landscape in the Caribbean and the strategic responses of island nations to international pressures.

Under the Trump administration, green card holders have found themselves under increased scrutiny. Many were surprised to learn that their status did not guarantee seamless entry into the U.S. anymore. The administration's focus on ensuring that green card holders are genuinely residing in the U.S. has led to stricter enforcement of residency requirements.

In this episode, Mona and Rebecca discuss the perception of "abandonment”, as the administration targets those using their green card as a multi-entry visas rather than establishing the U.S. as their primary residence.

Mona and Rebecca discuss what documents to bring (and what form they should be in!), what one might be asked, and what exactly the current administration is looking for. They also delve into the advantages of the Re-Entry Permit. Whether you're entering for the first time or returning after a long stay abroad, Mona and Rebecca have answers!

Mona, Rebecca, and Mark sit down to talk about how to Navigate Travel to the U.S. Amid President Trump's Immigration Crackdown and share best practices on how what is working best right now.

Have a topic or question you would like covered on a future episode of Global Investment Voice?
Let us know over at https://globalinvestmentvoice.com/contact/ or using the contact details below.

Phone: 212-233-7473
Email: info@mshahlaw.com

To discover the show notes on this episode as well as other topics, information, and resources; please head over to https://globalinvestmentvoice.com/podcast/

Mona, Rebecca, and Mark sit down with Jill Jones of JTC Group and go beyond the headlines to discuss the real impact of the $5M Gold Card Visa on the EB-5 program.

In this episode, you will be able to:
• Discover the latest updates on the Trump administration Gold Card Visa.
• Compare the EB5 program and Gold Card Visa to make informed investment decisions.
• Uncover the potential impact of the Gold Card Visa on the US economy.
• Explore the pathway to global citizenship through investment programs.
• Understand the changes brought by the EB5 Reform and Integrity Act for potential investors.

Have a topic or question you would like covered on a future episode of Global Investment Voice?
Let us know over at https://globalinvestmentvoice.com/contact/ or using the contact details below.

Phone: 212-233-7473
Email: info@mshahlaw.com

To discover the show notes on this episode as well as other topics, information, and resources; please head over to https://globalinvestmentvoice.com/podcast/