Chapter 1: The American Dream in an Uncertain World
Contributed by: Sam Bayat, Esq. and George Arveladze*
For centuries, the United States has represented more than a point on the map; it has embodied an idea. At the heart of that idea is the “American Dream,” the belief that effort, talent, and vision can create a better future for oneself and one’s family. From 19th-century Irish and Italian immigrants seeking opportunity, to post-war refugees rebuilding from nothing, to today’s tech founders and global investors, the U.S. has drawn generations not only for economic prospects but also for liberty, stability, and the chance to build something enduring.
Yet in our rapidly changing world, new destinations compete fiercely for global wealth and talent. The United Arab Emirates, for example, has transformed itself into a hub for investment and enterprise. With streamlined residency pathways and attractive tax policies, Dubai is a magnet for those seeking mobility and business access in the Gulf and beyond.
But when the goal extends beyond short-term convenience, when true permanence, legal certainty, and a multigenerational future matter, such “easy access” destinations reveal their limits. The UAE, for all its dynamism, does not offer permanent residency, citizenship, or the full, irrevocable rights that come with belonging to a Western nation. Residency there is renewable and pragmatic, but never entirely secure or permanent.
By contrast, the United States remains the benchmark for genuine immigrant opportunity—a nation built on law, pluralism, innovation, and upward mobility. It boasts the world’s largest self-sufficient economy and unmatched influence in technology, science, entertainment, and higher education. Its universities lead global rankings, its companies shape markets worldwide, and its cities embody cultural diversity and tolerance rarely seen elsewhere. Political stability, strong rule of law, and secure property rights provide true peace of mind, while openness and diversity enable newcomers to integrate without losing their cultural identity. These are not abstract advantages; they are enduring strengths that withstand political shifts and economic turbulence.
For high-net-worth individuals and families who think in terms of legacy, security, and generational progress, the U.S. Green Card remains the ultimate prize: permanent legal status, access to world-class universities and healthcare, freedom to own property and run businesses, and a clear, defined path to U.S. citizenship.
Immigrants are not just beneficiaries; they are builders. As of 2024, roughly 46 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. These entrepreneurs have driven breakthroughs in technology, medicine, and finance, while continually revitalizing cities, industries, and cultures across the country. Every wave of newcomers enriches the nation’s social fabric and strengthens its capacity for innovation and growth.
For high-net-worth individuals and families from the South and East, relocation planning extends far beyond lifestyle; it is about legacy. Where will your children receive an education that equips them for a rapidly changing world? Where will your capital remain secure over decades? Where will your family find lasting safety as global circumstances shift? By these measures, America’s unique combination of opportunity, stability, and multi-generational security remains unmatched.
Recently, the United States has become more selective; visa fees have risen, security vetting has tightened, and priority is given to applicants with proven merit or contribution. This exclusivity, however, only increases the value of U.S. residency and citizenship. While temporary residencies in other countries may be easier to obtain, they cannot match the inclusion, rights, and permanence that define the true American Dream.
Despite global competition for talent and investment, families continue to anchor their futures in the United States. The American Dream is not just a phrase; it is a living, evolving reality, rooted in stability, fueled by egalitarianism and opportunities, and uniquely capable of shaping legacies across generations.
Chapter 2: Safe Harbor in an Age of Global Turbulence
Contributed by: Sam Bayat, Esq.*
Over the years, important shifts have happened in the way successful families and entrepreneurs think about their future. Many, particularly those focused on building and preserving wealth, have always looked beyond their home countries. They are looking not just for new opportunities but also for stability, mobility, and protection of their assets. For them, investing abroad and obtaining alternative residency or citizenship has become more than a convenience or a luxury; it has become a necessity.
Today, investment migration is no longer a niche concept. It secures freedom of movement, safeguards wealth, and creates options across different jurisdictions.
From the Caribbean’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs to Europe’s Residency by Investment (RBI) schemes, Asia’s rising hubs, and the Middle East’s strategic offerings, the choices are diverse. Each carries its own promise of mobility, security, and economic potential.
Yet more options do not always make the path easier. On the contrary, they create new layers of complexity—from shifting regulations and geopolitical tensions to financial and other risks that demand careful, informed guidance.
Immigration and residency regulations might be changed almost overnight. One year, a “golden visa” program may promise fast-track access; the next, quotas are filled, rules tighten, or a new government rewrites the policy entirely. Some programs are tied to real estate, others to investment funds or job creation, but only a few provide real permanence or a clear, dependable path to citizenship. More than ever, families need a holistic and realistic matrix for decision-making—one that looks past marketing claims and focuses on what will truly last for their legacy.
Today’s world offers more choices than ever. Emerging hubs such as China, the UAE, and Singapore are rapidly evolving. However, despite all these options, many investors from around the world still turn to the United States for its long-term stability, strong wealth protection, and the freedom to confidently plan future.
Many globally-minded families choose the U.S. despite the cost, time, and tax implications. The reasons are clear: access to the world’s leading economy, a trusted legal system, a culture of innovation, and unmatched educational opportunities.
Investors who work with seasoned advisors aren’t simply acquiring a passport or visa; they are shaping a long-term strategy for security, continuity, tax efficiency, educational flexibility, and, when necessary, a safe harbor in times of instability at home. A truly future-proof plan looks beyond basic access and asks harder questions: How strong is the rule of law? How stable is the currency? Will property and business contracts be respected, or are investors exposed to shifting politics? Can wealth move freely across borders? And does the jurisdiction have a proven record of protecting investor rights?
When advising family business owners on succession, multinational executives relocating headquarters, or parents planning educational pathways for their children, the same decision-making matrix keeps emerging with core questions: Where can my family live, work, and invest with genuine peace of mind? Which residencies or citizenships provide lasting rights rather than temporary privileges? And which programs are truly durable, respected, and internationally recognized, not just available on paper?
This is why, despite shifting global trends and the growing number of residency and citizenship by investment (RCBI) options, the United States continues to set the standard for “safe harbor” planning. Political headlines may create noise, but the fundamentals remain solid: world-class legal protections, economic resilience, a globally trusted currency, and a long-standing tradition of welcoming immigrants while fostering opportunity.
In the U.S., permanent residents can live, study, work, and build anywhere in the country, with access to the deepest capital markets and one of the most advanced education systems. For multigenerational planning, these rights are inheritable, secure, and protected from uncertainties or sudden policy changes.
The United States is not the only option. Immigration lawyers and advisers guide families through the benefits of EU golden visas, Canadian and Australian pathways, Caribbean citizenship programs, and emerging offerings in Asia. Each has its strengths depending on the portfolio and objectives, and in a well-structured risk strategy, true diversification often means holding more than one residency or citizenship. Yet when it comes to combining permanence, economic depth, legal clarity, and resilience against global volatility, few options match the strategic value of a U.S. Green Card.
The best choice in investment migration is never one-size-fits-all. It depends on whether the priority is quick mobility, tax planning, business growth, education, or long-term stability. Caribbean and European programs may suit those seeking speed, travel freedom, or a European base, while Asia-Pacific options appeal to investors focused on dynamic regional markets and business opportunities.
Still, for those who value permanence, scale, and multigenerational security, the United States remains unmatched. Despite the higher entry point, it offers a foundation of stability and growth that few other programs can rival in the investment migration space.
By anchoring your mobility strategy in proven systems, safeguarded rights, and the ability to pass these advantages to future generations, families can turn uncertainty into opportunity and volatility into long-term advantage.
Chapter 3: EB-5: A Proven Pathway to U.S. Stability
Contributed by: Mona Shah, Esq. and Sam Bayat, Esq.*
The global residency and citizenship by investment landscape illustrates how immigration policies evolve in response to shifting political, economic, and security priorities. These shifts are occurring worldwide, but they are particularly noticeable in the United States nowadays.
Under Trump’s second presidency, U.S. immigration is being overhauled. Long-standing visa routes now face stricter rules and new barriers. The H-1B visa program, once a reliable path for skilled professionals, now comes with higher wage thresholds, tighter quotas, and even a new $100,000 fee for new petitions. At the same time, the administration has floated a proposal for a “Trump Gold Card” residency program. This program, still only an idea, would grant Green Cards to those contributing to the U.S. economy. Earlier, the administration suggested a $5 million investment threshold, though discussions have considered a possible $1 million level. These developments show that U.S. immigration is becoming more selective, with entry increasingly favoring candidates who can make meaningful economic contributions.
Against this backdrop of uncertainty and untested proposals, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program continues to stand out as a proven path. Firmly established in U.S. law, backed by decades of practice, and aligned with America’s priorities of job creation and economic growth, EB-5 is authorized through September 2027 under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) of 2022, giving investors a secure window to pursue U.S. residency under current rules.
For high-net-worth families from Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, the American Dream remains the ultimate prize. Many parents, having witnessed the volatility of student or work visa processes, now ask: How can I guarantee my children the freedom to study and build their lives in the United States without constant uncertainty? For those ready to invest in their family’s long-term future, EB-5 offers the solution — a major U.S. route aligned with the current Administration’s priorities.
The EB-5 program, created by Congress in 1990, was designed to attract foreign investment and create jobs for U.S. workers. It offers a direct path to permanent residency for investors who meet requirements, including investing a minimum of $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) such as rural regions, high-unemployment zones, or qualifying infrastructure projects; ensuring the capital is “at risk” for the purpose of generating return; and creating or preserving at least ten full-time jobs for American workers. Jobs can be created directly by the investor’s own project or when investing through a USCIS-approved Regional Center.
The process includes filing the I-526 petition with detailed documentation of funds. Upon approval, the investor receives a two-year conditional Green Card, followed by the I-829 petition to remove conditions once investment and job creation requirements are met. Investors and their families then enjoy permanent residency, with U.S. citizenship possible within five years.
EB-5 has proven resilient through past U.S. immigration changes. Each time visa rules tighten, the program remains strong because it directly supports America’s economic goals: creating jobs and channeling real investment into the country.
EB-5 offers significant advantages: no language tests or sponsorship requirements. Investors, spouses, and unmarried children under 21 can live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S., access resident tuition rates, freely change employers, and compete on equal terms with U.S. students for university admission. For nationals from countries with long waits under other visas, EB-5 can be the fastest route to U.S. residency.
However, simply filing an EB-5 petition does not guarantee success. The program is complex and nuanced. Success depends on choosing experienced legal counsel and a viable project—ideally one with Exemplar approval from the U.S. government. The best investments are backed by strong development teams, sound financial structures, good locations, and secure collateral. Investors should avoid projects that promise unrealistic returns or downplay the importance of job creation.
In today’s climate, where other U.S. visa options are narrowing, EB-5 remains a secure, congressionally protected path for investors making meaningful economic contributions. The EB-5 RIA of 2022 introduced safeguards against unscrupulous developers, though thorough due diligence remains essential. Note that the $800,000 investment threshold may apply only to applications filed before September 30, 2026.
Chapter 4: How to Choose the Right EB-5 Regional Center
Contributed by: Mona Shah, Esq. and Sam Bayat, Esq.*
Deciding where to invest capital and secure a family’s future carries both responsibility and risk. Prospective EB‑5 investors frequently ask a key question: how can they be sure an investment will succeed? The answer lies in examining the track record of the development team and the projects they have completed. Projects that finish on time, within budget, and achieve their intended outcomes—such as creating jobs and delivering quality results—provide measurable benchmarks of reliability. Careful investors prioritize these factors over marketing promises or high-pressure sales tactics.
Much of the risk associated with an EB-5 application submitted through a Regional Center stems from the integrity and performance of the center and its development partners. The program’s requirement that capital be “at risk”, meaning there is a genuine possibility of loss. It is designed to ensure investments are real, active, and job-generating rather than a shortcut to a green card.
Even with legal safeguards, practical risks remain. Projects that are undercapitalized, lack experienced management, or rely on unrealistic business plans can compromise investor security. Without thorough due diligence, investors may encounter unclear exit strategies, overreliance on speculative assumptions, or incomplete documentation. Assessing project financing, management expertise, and operational planning is essential to ensure that an investment is well-structured and aligned with EB‑5 requirements.
Effective due diligence requires a detailed review of the project team: their experience, past performance, and ability to deliver on schedule. It also involves confirming that the project is well-funded, has realistic financial planning, and possesses all necessary permits and approvals. Business plans should be clearly tied to job creation, and investors should have access to verifiable updates demonstrating that projects are progressing as promised. Such careful evaluation distinguishes secure, well-structured investments from those carrying unnecessary risk.
Insisting on transparency protects families not only from financial risk but also from unforeseen complications. The EB‑5 program increasingly emphasizes stricter oversight and higher standards for regional centers and projects, making it critical to work with fully accountable teams that provide verifiable documentation. Investing in programs with a clear record of compliance and reliable reporting ensures capital is used as intended and that the EB‑5 process proceeds smoothly.
At reputable Regional Centers, measurable results are non-negotiable. Numerous projects linked with the EB‑5 Investor Visa Program in New York State (outside Manhattan) have been successfully delivered. They have created jobs, met program requirements, and achieved intended outcomes for investors. These examples illustrate that a secure EB‑5 investment relies on more than theory; it is grounded in proven execution from groundbreaking to completion.
Choosing an EB‑5 project is not simply a capital allocation; it is an investment built on certainty, transparency, and a proven track record. The most secure projects feature strong funding, experienced management, and well-structured safeguards for investor capital. Trustworthy Regional Centers provide full access to management and clear, verifiable documentation, including evidence of job creation and successful outcomes from prior projects.
Before committing to any EB‑5 investment, investors should confirm that the project has all required legal approvals, a compliant business plan, and a practical exit strategy. SEC compliance should be verified, and any promises of guaranteed returns or guaranteed green cards should be avoided. Security in EB‑5 comes from transparency, verified performance, and proven execution.
With U.S. authorities applying stricter scrutiny to immigration, transparency and verifiable results from regional centers are more important than ever. Well-planned, properly financed projects led by experienced teams provide confidence that investments are secure and that the EB‑5 process will proceed efficiently.
A strong EB‑5 investment aligns capital with realistic, well-managed projects focused on delivering measurable outcomes, such as job creation and operational success. Investors who review documentation, ask questions, and thoroughly understand the project are better positioned to achieve these goals.
Chapter 5: VOCO Times Square: A Case Study in Security and Delivery
Contributed by: VOCO development team, Sam Bayat, Esq.*
The VOCO Times Square project, developed under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) brand, represents one of the final new hospitality developments permitted in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. The 419-room hotel integrates hospitality, entertainment, and media revenue streams to create a diversified financial foundation designed to meet the standards of global investors participating through the U.S. EB-5 Investor Visa program.
Recent zoning changes in the area have made VOCO Times Square one of the last new developments in the core of Manhattan, underscoring its long-term investment value. Located steps from the Crossroads of the World, the property will feature the only indoor-outdoor rooftop bar with direct Times Square views, over 7,500 square feet of food and beverage venues, and premium advertising assets, including five electronic screens and three static billboards projected to generate between two and four million dollars annually. The project’s 5,000 square feet of digital signage are expected to enhance total hotel revenue by approximately 15 percent, creating a diversified model rarely seen in new hotel developments.
The official opening of the hotel is scheduled for December 2025. All permits and approvals have been secured, and the structure was more than 60 percent complete before EB-5 investors were invited to participate—minimizing project risk in accordance with current U.S. regulations. The development offers participation in a fully realized, physically advanced project built with a focus on discipline, transparency, and compliance.
Financing includes $31 million in sponsor equity, a $120 million senior construction loan from Beach Point Capital, and EB-5 investment capital structured as preferred equity in the Job-Creating Entity. EB-5 proceeds represent a minority portion of the total funding, used primarily to reduce loan obligations and finalize construction and legal costs. Investor capital is secured by first-position collateral, subordinate only to the construction loan, providing a strong security profile relative to typical EB-5 projects.
VOCO Times Square is led by four founding partners whose combined track record includes the development of hotels, residential towers, and commercial properties across New York City, with no failed completions and multiple successful investor exits resulting in full and timely capital repayment. Two partners are veteran New York developers who have shaped the city’s skyline through 11 hotel developments and 46 hotel constructions. A third partner is a respected Indian-American entrepreneur connecting global families with U.S. investment opportunities, while the fourth brings direct personal immigration experience, ensuring the project aligns with EB-5 investors’ practical needs as well as regulatory requirements.
Transparency and accountability remain central to the VOCO Times Square approach. Investors have access to verified documentation of financing, job creation, and construction progress. Independent analyses confirm that more than 800 jobs have already been created—surpassing the minimum 250 required for 25 EB-5 investors. As a result, the two-year “at-risk” investment period begins immediately upon capital contribution. The developers’ security-first structure combines first-position collateral, minority EB-5 participation, and substantial sponsor equity.
VOCO Times Square benefits from the global reach and operational strength of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). VOCO is currently one of the fastest-growing upscale hotel brands worldwide, with a strong presence in key international markets.
Positioned at one of the most visible intersections in the world, VOCO Times Square offers EB-5 investors a rare combination of location, transparency, and delivery certainty. It provides an opportunity to participate in a landmark development designed to endure for decades while contributing to the continued growth of the U.S. economy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for investors who prioritize certainty and proven results over speculation.
Conclusion: Building Continuity in an Uncertain World
In an era defined by volatility and shifting borders, the United States continues to offer a rare equilibrium of legal stability, economic strength, and institutional transparency. The EB-5 program stands as a pragmatic framework that links global capital with local development, and investor aspirations with lasting residency rights.
Projects such as VOCO Times Square demonstrate how disciplined structure, compliance, and clarity of vision can convert investment into tangible security. They illustrate that the EB-5 pathway, when guided by experience and due diligence, is not merely an entry strategy; it is a foundation for continuity across generations.
By combining knowledge, due diligence, and carefully chosen investments, high-net-worth families can transform uncertainty into opportunity, volatility into advantage, and aspiration into an enduring legacy.
* About the Contributors:
Sam Bayat, Esq. – Founder of Bayat Legal Services; former President, Canadian Bar Association International Section (Quebec); over three decades of experience in investment migration. VOCO official representative in MENA.
George Arveladze – Former Head of the Administration of the President of Georgia; former Minister of Economy of Georgia; founder of Aqua Geo International.
Mona Shah, Esq. – Managing Partner, Mona Shah & Partners; Leading EB-5 lawyer, member of the New York and U.S. Federal Bar since 1997.
VOCO Times Square Development Team:
- Stephen (Chip) Weiss, Jr – Construction Manager: Flintlock Construction Services, LLC/AC Developers LLC
- Andrew B. Weiss – Construction Manager: Flintlock Construction Services, LLC/AC Developers LLC
- Vinod K. Chand – Sponsor: 711 Seventh Hotel Associates LLC
- Raj Guru – Sponsor: 711 Seventh Hotel Associates LLC
VOCO Project Resources & Links:
🔗 https://timesquarehoteleb5.com/