EB-5 Unplugged

In this episode, Shai is joined by Silu, a U.S.-licensed lawyer at the American Legal Center, to discuss the growing role of AI in client decision-making. They explore how clients are increasingly relying on AI for information that is often conflicting, inaccurate, or misleading, and how this is impacting complex legal processes like EB-5. From real client interactions to common misconceptions, they break down why AI-generated answers aren’t always reliable, and why human expertise still matters more than ever.

In this episode, Shai sits down with Jay, a real EB-5 investor and client of the American Legal Center, for an honest look at what the process actually feels like from the inside. Jay walks us through his personal journey — the strategies that worked, including why naming his wife as the primary applicant was one of his smartest moves, what no one tells you about the visa interview until you're sitting in that chair, and why having the right team in your corner makes all the difference when it matters most.

In this episode, Shai sits down with Brian Oster, President of EB-5 Capital, and Haya for an inside look at one of the most established regional centers in the EB-5 space. Brian brings 15 years of real estate and EB-5 experience to the conversation. Episode breaks down what separates the best regional centers from the rest, and what red flags to watch for. Brian takes us back to the wild early days of EB-5, when over 80% of all applications came from a single country - China, and what that history means for GCC investors navigating the program today. If you're evaluating regional centers, this episode is your shortcut.

In this episode, Shai Zamanian sits down with Angelique Brunner, Founder and CEO of EB-5 Capital, to discuss her journey from real estate finance into becoming one of the most recognized leaders in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.With more than three decades of experience in capital markets and development, Angelique shares how her early work in real estate and project financing led her to the EB-5 industry in the late 2000s. They explore how investor capital supports large-scale development, and how the EB-5 program has evolved over the years.

Recorded from Dubai, one week into Iran's ballistic missile attacks on the UAE, Shai Zamanian gives GCC investors an honest ground-level reality check. How serious is the situation? What does regional instability mean for your path to the US? And why EB-5 applications are expected to spike during these uncertain times.

In this episode, Kate Kalmykov joins Shai to discuss the unique considerations for Russian nationals applying under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. From source of funds challenges to geopolitical sensitivities and compliance risks, they explore how nationality can impact the process.Kate also shares insights shaped by her own Russian heritage, offering context on cultural, legal, and practical factors investors should understand when navigating the EB-5 category.

In this episode, Kate Kalmykov from GT and Shai join the conversation for an honest look at why EB-5 petitions get denied. From source of funds issues to project compliance problems and documentation mistakes, they break down the most common reasons cases fall apart under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. No sugarcoating, just real insights into where investors and advisors go wrong and how to avoid the same pitfalls.

Welcome to the very first episode of EB-5 Unplugged. In this intro, Shai Zamanian, Director of The American Legal Center, explains how the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program works and what it takes to qualify for a U.S. Green Card through investment.Subscribe and be part of our community!