Global Investment Voice
by Mona Shah & Partners Global
The first and most comprehensive podcast series that focuses on foreign direct investment, EB-5, and Residency & Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) programs.Hosts Mona Shah and Rebecca Singh focus on micro-issues, such as the latest breaking news in the industry. In addition, we welcome guests from all over the globe including: Global and US Developers, Industry Specialists, Authors, Journalists, Legislators and Politicians. With hundreds of episodes spanning 8 years, the podcasts are diverse, as they discuss the programs from both a legal perspective and business development factors, as well as investor return and residency considerations.If you have questions about investment immigration, please reach out to Mona Shah & Partners.Phone: 212-233-7473Email: [email protected]: https://www.mshahlaw.com
Episodes
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When Is a Loan Not a Loan? The EB-5 Question Canada Never Answered
Borrow $800,000 for an EB-5 investment, and USCIS calls it capital. But if you borrowed the exact same amount for Canada’s old immigrant investor program, it barely counted as money at all. The same debt with two different outcomes. In this episode, Mona and Rebecca dig into the collapse of the...
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Two Years or Five? The Truth About Getting EB-5 Capital Back
Two years is the number every EB-5 investor fixates on when thinking about the return of capital. But is this timeline fact or fantasy? In this episode, Mona brings back guest Manuel Ortiz, Vice President of Global Business Development at First Pathway Partners to dissect the regulatory timeline...
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Grandfathered or Gambling? The Truth About the EB-5 September Deadline
Think that filing before September 30, 2026, guarantees smooth sailing to your green card? Not so fast. In this week’s episode of Global Investment Voice, hosts Mona and Rebecca sit down to debunk the myths surrounding EB-5’s grandfathering clause. The provision was born out of the chaos of 2021,...
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Your Dream Home In Mexico?
Mexico City may be enjoying its moment in the World Cup spotlight, but another story is unfolding beyond football. A steady stream of Americans are packing their bags for Tulum, Merida and Guanajuato. In today’s episode, Mona speaks with Juan Felipe Sanchez of Mexico Business Lawyers about why...
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The €200,000 Secret: Portugal’s Cheapest Door to Europe
Think Portugal lost its shine when they scrapped the real estate route? Think again. In this episode of Global Investment Voice, Mona Shah and Rebecca Singh bring back immigration expert Tiago Gali Macedo to discuss Portugal’s Golden Visa Program. They dig into the route, which is stealing the...
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We Said It, He Disagreed: A Rural Developer Fights Back on EB-5
In a previous episode, we said that rural EB-5 projects trade safety for speed; and that did not go down well with everyone. In this episode, We put the hard questions to Dr. Vish, a developer with over 43 years of experience who is actively building in rural America, with projects spanning from...
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The Memo Is Loud. INA 245(n) Is Louder.
Just before Americans fired up for their Memorial Day weekend, USCIS dropped a policy memo that sent the immigration world into a panic. With lawyers, investors, and visa holders alike scrambling to analyse their message. So, what does it actually mean? And more importantly, should EB-5 investors...
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Nauru: The $90k Passport
Your next passport could cost less than a luxury car and take you farther! Until now, you may have never heard of Nauru, a small island nation in the Pacific, with a population of just 12,000 and a landmass you could cross in half an hour. Nauru has launched one of the most disruptive...
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The Rural Bias Built Into EB-5’s DNA
Following their article exploring the rural bias built into EB-5’s DNA, Mona Shah and Rebecca Singh further delve into the processing-time gap between rural and urban I-956F applications. Rural projects are sailing through USCIS review in around 8 months whilst urban projects wait significantly...
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From Tokyo to the Mediterranean: Building Wealth and Mobility Across Two Continents
Wondering where your next global mobility move could take you? Mona sits down with Frank Cheang of Elysium 8 Holdings, a firm describing itself as more than a brokerage but a strategic gateway. They discuss three countries: Japan, Portugal, and Greece, including where investors are going wrong.…
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Passports Are the New Portfolio
Never mind stocks and bonds, the savviest investors in today’s market are now diversifying with citizenship! In this episode of Global Investment Voice, Mona and Rebecca are joined with Tatiana Muntean from Global Freedom Capital to unveil one of the best kept secrets in the citizenship by...
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Before You Wire the Money: The EB-5 Conversation You Need to Have
Global instability does not wait for anybody! With conflict in the Middle East altering international markets, individuals worldwide are rushing to secure a Plan B for themselves and their families. The U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a top choice. Sam Hussain from BLS Global joins our...
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The 75-Country Visa Freeze: EB-5, E-2, and Alternative Routes to U.S. Residency with Jill Jones
EB-5 visa applicants from 75 countries woke up to their worst nightmare on January 14th, 2026. Trump announced an executive order indefinitely pausing immigrant visa processing for nationals of certain countries. Investors who have spent months, even years, on their applications and planning are...
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War on Iran | One Weekend That Changed the Case for a Second Citizenship Forever
Recorded on March 2nd 2026 This week’s episode starts off quite unlike one we have experienced before in the 10 years of this podcast series! We speak again with our guest, Sam Bayat, who joins us from Dubai, a city that, just merely hours ago, was under missile alerts and explosions. Sam talks...
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Inclusion is the Key to Growth: Reflecting on the Legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson
Very few know about Jesse Jackson’s contributions to the EB-5 Industry. In this special tribute episode, we remember his words and honor his life and legacy . He was a civil rights activist and presidential candidate but above all, a towering moral voice who saw investment not merely as economics...
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Is Business Immigration to Canada Dead? A Reality Check with Sam Bayat
What happens when a country shuts down every business immigration pathway precisely at the moment it needs entrepreneurs the most? Canada is staring down a $2 trillion crisis. With 75% of Canada’s 1.2 million small business owners reportedly planning to exit within the next decade, Canada is…
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Davos 2026: How a G7 PM Sold Golden Visas Without Knowing It
What happens when a G7 leader accidentally makes the case for citizenship and residency by investment on the world’s biggest stage? Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made an unexpected declaration, stating the end of the American-led world order at Davos 2026. In doing so, he unknowingly…
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The Rise of the Globally Mobile
What if the future of global migration and citizenship wasn’t about uprooting your life from one place to another, but about multiplying it? Have you ever thought about calling more than one country home? Welcome to the reality of a Globally Mobile Individual. A rapidly growing group of...
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Enter 2026: US EB-5? Gold Card? or Walk Away?
Happy New Year! As 2026 begins and a year of heightened uncertainty in U.S. immigration comes to a close, Mona and Rebecca discuss what the changed landscape may mean for investors heading into the new year. Will we see the sun set on the EB-5 program, replaced by Trump’s so-called fast and...
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The 4% Solution: Keep Your U.S. Citizenship, Slash Your Taxes
"No taxation without representation!" One of the rallying cries of the American Revolution--but here's the twist: the reverse is also true! What if you could keep your blue passport, stay on American soil, and legally reduce your tax bill by 90% or more? Sounds too good to be true, right? Welcome...
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The Realities of Moving to New Zealand
Isolation or Paradise? New Zealand is famous for its stunning landscapes and has a reputation for a very high quality of life. However, for those considering a move, their residency through investment program is one of the most expensive--almost three million (US) dollars. So, when it comes down…
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DENIED! EB-5 I-829 Battles in the Trump Era
As the Trump Administration takes a firm hold of all immigration, this is a word that is becoming all too common. Sadly, it's becoming a more common story. A person applies for EB-5. They listen to their lawyer, they follow all the rules, and they patiently wait for their conditional green card....
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From 401(K) to Lisbon with Tiago Gali Macedo
Funding a Portugal Golden Visa Portugal has jumped in popularity. The European nation has inarguably been one of the most popular golden visa programs to pursue. While buying a house no longer gets one residency, thousands are still choosing to make the country their home. For folk from the…
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From Investment to Immigration: Making Informed Decisions with EB-5 and Gold Card Options
Are you considering immigration to the US through an investment? Investing via Trump’s Gold Card over an EB-5 Investment? This podcast episode is for you. This podcast episode offers a focused discussion on the Gold Card and EB-5 investment options, highlighting key differences and considerations...
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Gold Card Dreaming!
A Realistic Look at Trump’s Latest Proclamation on the Gold Card It’s alive–almost! After over six months of relative silence, Trump’s proposed “gold card” has finally started to show some movement. However, the executive order issued on September 19, 2025, has raised even more questions. What’s...
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Moving to Russia? Unpacking the Unexpected!!
Is moving to Russia on your radar for investment or relocation? Prepare to have your perceptions challenged! This podcast dives deep into the often-misunderstood landscape of Russia, moving beyond the headlines to explore the lifestyle, culture, and surprising economic opportunities it presents....
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Trump Barriers for CBI Countries with Patrick Peters
Are you a recent citizen of a CBI nation eyeing the U.S. or considering investment opportunities in the Caribbean? Then you need to tune in! The US has launched a pilot program requiring certain visa applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000, signaling that citizens of CBI nations may be the next...
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Bankruptcy Blues in EB-5
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...
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Merit Over Money in Malta with Dr. James Muscat Azzopardi
“It’s a totally different concept. So there is no financial contribution. The new program is purely merit based. And till now we only have a very brief amendment in the law. We don’t have guidelines as yet. But the amendment says that Maltese citizenship can be given to anyone who renders...
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Dancing with Dollars: The Love-Hate of EB-5 Escrow
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…
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Will Trump’s “Big Beautiful Act” Attract HNW Individuals to the US?
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...
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Caribbean Strategies to Dodge the U.S. Travel Ban
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...
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Green Card Holders Navigating Trump Era Travel
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…
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Navigating Travel Amid President Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
There has been a lot of noise and panic, but what exactly is going on at the US border? What can visitors and permanent residents expect when traveling to the United States under the Trump administration? Is there actually anything visitors should be worried about? Furthermore, what about U.S....
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Beyond the Headlines – The Real Impact of the $5M Gold Card Visa on EB-5
It’s been almost a month since the Trump Administration announced their proposed “Gold Card” visa. They’ve released very little concrete information since. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik implied it would replace the EB-5 program, however, plenty of what he had to say was inaccurate. If actually...
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Capital Redeployment Chaos – What Every EB5 Investor Must Know
Mona Shah, Rebecca Singh, and Mark Deal dive into the complexities of capital redeployment in the EB5 industry. They discuss the lawsuit by IIUSA and the implications it has for regional centers and investor groups, shedding light on the significance of understanding redeployment for both…
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2025 Predictions for the EB-5 and RCBI Industry
2024 was an eventful year! So many programs tested, ended, or completely revised. So, what does this mean for immigration going forward? Mona, Rebecca, and Sam review some of the complicated challenges both applicants and countries need to weigh when it comes to balancing immigration, business…
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“Every-half-hour-there-is-a-new-email-enquiry” A truth or an exaggeration? What to expect in RCBI Land in 2025
Mona sits down with the new Editor at IMI Daily, Ahmad Abbas. They discuss the process behind scenes of IMI Daily, and how current events are shaping people’s choices on where to pursue residence and citizenship. With the shifting perspectives of governments and people worldwide, Mona and Ahmad...
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The Trump Effect: Will the Reelection of Trump Attract or Deter Foreign Investors?
Since election night, there has been an explosion of blog posts relating to how the second term of Donald Trump’s presidency will affect immigration. Are even more Americans going to pursue citizenship elsewhere? Will Trump’s plans for the economy attract more investors to the US? Or will his...
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Rich Americans prefer Harris over Trump – but want a second passport no matter who wins – recently conducted survey shows!
It’s that time of year again! As with any US presidential election cycle, the news media is inundated with polls and surveys about who’s voting for who and why. A little less usual, however, are the results from wealthy Americans this year. Unusually, High-Net-Worth Individuals appear to be…
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American Outbound Residency and Citizenship Expo
Global migration is on the rise, with more people than ever before choosing to relocate abroad. Alongside this trend, the popularity of residency and citizenship by investment (RCBI) programs has skyrocketed. While countries like the US, UK, and Canada have historically been top destinations, the...
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War’s Impact on Global Investment Migration with Dr. Kristin Surak
What makes a person search for a new home? People pursue citizenship or residency by investment (RCBI) for many reasons: taxes, better jobs, nicer climate, or proximity to family. But one of the less advertised reasons has an even bigger impact: War. The increased tension and conflict around the...
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USCIS Regulates by Website! Mass Regional Center Terminations
USCIS has sent out termination notices to over 100 EB-5 Regional Centers based on non-payment of integrity fees! Naturally, many investors are now feeling panicked and uncertain about the future. While previously, Regional Centers used to number in the 800s, in recent years that number has...
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Chevron in the Dock with Cyrus Mehta
The Supreme Court of the United States has been issuing a lot of major decisions lately, with far reaching impact. Recently, three of these were handed down that will likely have repercussions in the immigration world: Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (which overruled Chevron deference)…
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The Real Scoop on Controversies surrounding the Caribbean CBI program
In this episode, Mona and Mark engage in a detailed conversation with returning guest Sam Bayat regarding the recent controversy surrounding Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs. They cover the RICO lawsuit, allegations of corruption, due diligence processes, and the potential impact on…
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Jay Peak, the Morning After… with Doug Anderson
Discover the surprising truth about how the controversial Jay Peak EB-5 project led to significant reforms in the EB-5 program. You won’t believe how this ski resort’s tumultuous history ultimately paved the way for positive change. Find out how a new chapter is unfolding for Jay Peak and the...
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Journey of an E-2 Visa Investor
Starting a business and moving to a new country is an exciting yet daunting prospect for many entrepreneurs and investors. For Canadian citizen Greg Allen, the E-2 investor visa provided a pathway to opening his precious metals firm in sunny Florida. We sat down with Greg to gain insight into his...
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Episode 200! Sharing Insight & Sparking Debate for 8+ Years
200 episodes and still going strong! Join Mona Shah, Rebecca Singh, and Mark Deal as they discuss their journey of creating and running one of the most successful global investment podcasts, covering all of the major changes within the EB-5 industry over the last 8 years, and many of the changes…
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Is Real Estate / Property in Greece Worth the Investment?
As the CBI / RBI world shrinks, and people are leading more nomadic lives, the thought of investing in property in an island in the middle of the Mediterranean with a population of 11,000,000M (only 3% of that of the United States) is not as dreamlike as it once may have been. In fact, the...
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Renouncing American Citizenship Hits All-Time Record
Are you living abroad and considering the unexpected move of renouncing your US citizenship? You might be surprised to learn that the cost and process are more complex than you think. But what if I told you there’s a strategic way to navigate the tax implications and make an informed decision?…
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About this show
The first and most comprehensive podcast series that focuses on foreign direct investment, EB-5, and Residency & Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) programs.Hosts Mona Shah and Rebecca Singh focus on micro-issues, such as the latest breaking news in the industry. In addition, we welcome guests from all over the globe including: Global and US Developers, Industry Specialists, Authors, Journalists, Legislators and Politicians. With hundreds of episodes spanning 8 years, the podcasts are diverse, as they discuss the programs from both a legal perspective and business development factors, as well as investor return and residency considerations.If you have questions about investment immigration, please reach out to Mona Shah & Partners.Phone: 212-233-7473Email: [email protected]: https://www.mshahlaw.com
Hosted by
Mona Shah & Partners Global