Investing in the American Dream

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Immigration industry leader, Bob Kraft and special guests discuss immigration through investment (EB-5), share insight from experienced immigration attorneys, explore E-2 visa investment opportunities and Citizenship by investment programs (Grenada). Hear real-life stories of immigrant investors and their journey uprooting themselves in their home countries towards creating a new life in the United States. This podcast is not legal advice nor is it intended to replace direct legal consul. The information contained herein should not be relied upon or used as a substitute for a consultation with a qualified immigration lawyer. For more information, you can call +1-414-431-0742 or visit www.firstpathway.com

FirstPathway Partners


    • Feb 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Investing in the American Dream

    2025 EB-5 Policy Dynamics

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 43:52


    The latest episode of the Investing in the American Dream Podcast features an in-depth discussion with FPP's Chairman & CEO Bob Kraft and VP of Global Business Development Manuel Ortiz on U.S. immigration policy and its impact on EB-5. They explore how the Trump administration's priorities, including border security and economic growth, influence legal immigration pathways like the EB-5 program.This episode covers key topics such as the current administration's approach to legal immigration, the role of border security in investor visa programs, and why EB-5 remains a strong option for those seeking permanent residency in the U.S. Bob Kraft and Manuel Ortiz also discuss common misconceptions about EB-5, its contribution to job creation, and the rigorous security measures that ensure program integrity.Listen to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Japc8M8RQw

    FPP's 2024 EB-5 Year in Review with Bernie Wolfsdorf!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 47:02


    As we look back on the transformative year of 2024, FPP is excited to present a special episode of our Investing in the American Dream podcast – our 2024 EB-5 Year in Review. This episode features an in-depth conversation with Bernie Wolfsdorf, Managing Partner at WR Immigration, and Manuel Ortiz, FPP's VP of Global Business Development.With decades of experience navigating the complexities of the EB-5 program, Bernie is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in the field. His expertise, combined with Manuel's global perspective, makes for an insightful discussion on the future of EB-5 investment.In this episode, we'll cover:-The latest updates to EB-5 policies and regulatory changes-Visa capacity and ongoing backlogs, and how they impact investors-Key trends from 2024 and what to expect in 2025-Practical takeaways for investors to successfully navigate the evolving EB-5 landscapeThis episode is essential for anyone involved in the EB-5 program or looking to better understand the future of investment immigration.Tune in now for the latest EB-5 insights or contact Bernie, Manuel, or FPP today to begin your journey to U.S. Permanent Residency through the EB-5 Visa Program.Contact Bernie: bernard@wolfsdorf.comContact Manuel: mortiz@firstpathway.comFPP: www.firstpathway.com

    Kaia by Outdoor Citizen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 19:45


    This episode highlights FPP's newest rural, senior loan secured, EB-5 investment opportunity: Kaia by Outdoor Citizen.Located in the breathtaking clay canyons of Kanab, Utah, Kaia offers 40 private dwellings with stunning desert views, catering to luxury travelers seeking an authentic connection with nature and well-being.Besides the property features, we explore the numerous EB-5 benefits of the Kaia project, including its Rural designation, a reduced minimum investment amount of $800,000, and more.Join Manuel Ortiz, FPP's Vice President of Global Business Development, and Peter Helland, your host and Marketing Manager, as they discuss key aspects of Kaia and how investing in this project can help you achieve U.S. Permanent Residency through the EB-5 Visa Program.Listen to the podcast here and feel free to reach out to Manuel with any questions about immigration through investment.Contact Manuel to Learn More: WhatsApp: +1 956-466-7232 mortiz@firstpathway.com

    Insights in the EB-5 Investment Landscape with Saul Ewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 42:13


    In our latest episode of the Investing in the American Dream podcast, where we discuss the basics and the necessary legal requirements of EB-5. We have special guests Ronnie Fieldstone and Rohit Kapuria from Saul Ewing LLP, a full-service, national law firm with more than 400 attorneys and a team of top-notch business professionals, all working together to deliver practical, proactive advice and excellent client service.Ronnie Fieldstone and Rohit Kapuria have extensive expertise in the EB-5 industry, resulting in a track record of handling hundreds of EB-5 projects, and have helped raise billions of dollars. Their insights shed light on crucial aspects of EB-5 investments, including legal intricacies and investor considerations.Joining them is FPP's own Manuel Ortiz who discusses the role that FPP plays in the EB-5 process as well as FPP's most recent investment opportunity, TALUS.Together, Manuel, Ronnie, and Rohit discuss significant elements of the EB-5 program, such as EB-5 fundamentals, the significance of due diligence, and more. We invite you to listen to the podcast here or reach out to Manuel, Ronnie, or Rohit with your own questions on immigration through investment.

    Insights in the EB-5 Investment Landscape with Saul Ewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 42:13


    In our latest episode of the Investing in the American Dream podcast, where we discuss the basics and the necessary legal requirements of EB-5. We have special guests Ronnie Fieldstone and Rohit Kapuria from Saul Ewing LLP, a full-service, national law firm with more than 400 attorneys and a team of top-notch business professionals, all working together to deliver practical, proactive advice and excellent client service.Ronnie Fieldstone and Rohit Kapuria have extensive expertise in the EB-5 industry, resulting in a track record of handling hundreds of EB-5 projects, and have helped raise billions of dollars. Their insights shed light on crucial aspects of EB-5 investments, including legal intricacies and investor considerations.Joining them is FPP's own Manuel Ortiz who discusses the role that FPP plays in the EB-5 process as well as FPP's most recent investment opportunity, TALUS.Together, Manuel, Ronnie, and Rohit discuss significant elements of the EB-5 program, such as EB-5 fundamentals, the significance of due diligence, and more. We invite you to listen to the podcast here or reach out to Manuel, Ronnie, or Rohit with your own questions on immigration through investment.

    2023 EB-5 Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 30:14


    As we reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year, we're thrilled to bring you a special episode of our 'Investing in the American Dream' podcast – the 2023 EB-5 Year in Review. This insightful discussion features two esteemed guests, Manuel Ortiz, VP of Global Business Development at FPP, and Mitch Wexler, Managing Partner at Fragomen's Southern California offices.Manuel Ortiz, with over two decades of experience in global finance, has not only led award-winning investor relations teams but has also directed capital raises exceeding $500 million on a global scale. His commitment to extending EB-5 services to underserved countries earned him a national industry award, showcasing his profound cultural competency and dedication to making EB-5 accessible worldwide.Joining Manuel is Mitch Wexler, a certified specialist in immigration and nationality law, and the Managing Partner of Fragomen's Southern California offices. Mitch's diverse practice spans high-net-worth individuals and multinational corporations across various industries, making him a leading authority in EB-5, E-2, L-1, and more.  Together, Manuel and Mitch provide valuable insights into critical elements of the EB-5 program, discussing topics such as the life cycle of a typical EB-5 case, the benefits of Concurrent Filing, and the impact of the Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. We invite you to tune in here and explore the intricate details of the EB-5 landscape in 2023. If you would like to learn more about the EB-5 Visa Program and its benefits we invite you to connect with Mitch and Manuel below:Mitch Wexler: mwexler@fragomen.comManuel Ortiz: mortiz@firstpathway.com

    Ep.20_Oleg Zviagin of Proxy Financial on Complex Immigration Financial Planning Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 34:15 Transcription Available


    On today's episode of Investing in the American Dream podcast, we have featured guests Manuel Ortiz VP of Global Business Development at FPP - and Oleg Zviagin, Director of Financial Planning at Proxy Financial. Oleg specializes in complex financial planning strategies including multi-generational planning, trusts & estate, employee stock options/restricted stock, insurance, college, and retirement planning. Oleg has spent 9 years working with high-net worth individuals across the globe. In this part of the series, Oleg will be going more in detail on the pre & post immigration planning that investors should consider and the personalized services available to investors through this partnership with Proxy Financial. CONTACT:Oleg Zviagin oleg@proxyfinancial.com Manuel Ortiz: mortiz@firstpathway.com WEBINAR:  Wednesday, September 20th 10am CThttps://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pGpljULvSvqK4b6qGO7KZA 

    Ep.19_Bob Kraft IIUSA Tenure and PAC Involvement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 24:53 Transcription Available


    On this episode, Bob Kraft provided his thoughts on his past role with IIUSA,  his current involvement as President Emeritus, and his new role in the Political Action Committee. 

    Ep.18_Bryan Caulkins and Manuel Ortiz on Financial Planning for the (pre/post) Immigration Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 43:29


    On this episode we had featured guests Manuel Ortiz VP of Global Business Development at FPP who leads our global efforts bringing EB-5 services and educational resources to underserved countries around the globe - and Bryan Caulkins, co-founder of Proxy Financial. This is a unique partnership between two people that really understand what it takes to assist in immigration planning. After 10 years of working on Wall Street,  and having a unique bi-cultural background – Bryan gained the desire to expand his expertise into international wealth management. Together with his partner, Bryan founded the Proxy Financial group in 2017 to serve as fiduciaries for US nationals and citizens around the world, seeking to protect, grow and diversify their investments in the United States - including a unique immigration planning service. The Proxy team has served hundreds of families adequately create their immigration and financial plans in order to move to the US.During this  episode, Manuel highlights the EB-5 program, sharing some of his personal experiences while discussing the investor due diligence process., while Bryan  discussed the role that financial planning should play in the immigration process and the services Proxy Financial can offer to clients. WEBINAR: September 20th at 10am CThttps://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pGpljULvSvqK4b6qGO7KZA  CONTACT: Bryan Caulkins : bryan@proxyfinancial.com Manuel Ortiz: mortiz@firstpathway.com 

    Ep.17_Manuel Ortiz on the EB-5 Program, Projections, and Project Due Diligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 30:29


    During this episode Manuel Ortiz , VP of Global Business Development at FirstPathway Partners, shares his personal experience and outlook on the EB-5 program, while touching on the benefits of concurrent filing for adjustment of status pertaining to foreign national who are already in the United States on a non-resident visa. Manuel also highlights how best to conduct EB-5 project due diligence. 

    Ep.16_FirstPathway Partners Appoints Dan Wycklendt as President

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2022 23:13


    During this episode, FPP President, Dan Wycklendt, and CEO, Bob Kraft, sit down with Marketing Director, Jessica Melka, to discuss Mr. Wycklendt's distinguished appointment, the direction of the EB-5 visa program, and the bright future of the company. In addition, they also examine the rich history of FirstPathway Partners and what has led to the success of the company for the past 15 years. You can read the official press release here. Mr. Wycklendt has been with FirstPathway Partners since its formation in 2008 and has over 10 years of senior management experience, including business development, strategic financial planning, capital structuring, and corporate vision. He has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, India, Africa, South America, and Asia, speaking on inbound investment in the United States through the EB-5 program. Mr. Wycklendt has managed the funding of numerous multi-million-dollar projects around the United States, totaling over a billion dollars, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs. He has also been recognized globally for his expertise in the EB-5 program.

    Ep.15_Bruna Canto and Immigration Attorney Tadeu Ferreira Discuss EB-5 U.S. Visa Option for Students and Families

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2022 16:41


    Featured guests, Bruna Canto Managing Director of Latin America for FPP, and U.S. Immigration Attorney Tadeu Ferreira who is Managing Partner at Leaf Law – are joined by hosts Martijn Van de Veen of ICEF (International Consultants for Education and Foreign Students) and Craig Riggs, as they discuss visa options in the U.S. for international students and their families after graduation. 

    Ep.14_Immigration Attorney Ed Beshara Discusses Cost Efficiency of EB-5 Visa

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 31:03


    During this episode, Mr. Beshara shares his thoughts on how the EB-5 Visa Program compares to alternative visa programs, from its cost efficiency and overall benefits – to the process of immigrating to the United States. Mr. Beshara also provides his thoughts on past and current EB5 trends, his outlook on the future of EB5, and how he has helped investors choose the right Visa program for them.  Mr. Beshara has been exclusively practicing U.S. Immigration Law and offering immigration guidance and solutions since 1983. Based out of Orlando, Florida, he has represented many clients worldwide regarding their business, and family U.S. Visa goals. He is also a valued member of EB-5 Investors Magazine and was recognized nationally as one of the Best U.S. immigration Lawyers in America.

    Ep.13_IIUSA President Bob Kraft Discusses USCIS Settlement Agreement with Regional Centers and EB-5 Stakeholders

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 21:33


    We are excited to share some great news with EB-5 Investors and Regional Centers! USCIS has entered into a Settlement Agreement to resolve litigation disputes with EB-5 stakeholders and previously approved regional centers.  In this episode, we talked to Bob Kraft, President of IIUSA, to discuss a historic settlement agreement between IIUSA and USCIS that protects EB-5 investors while re-authorizing previously approved regional centers. In this podcast, we explore what initially led to this proceeding, the details of the settlement, and what this means for the future of the EB-5 visa program. We also examine the unprecedented open line of communication with USCIS and IIUSA, and future involvement.  

    Ep.12_TALUS, Ultra-Luxury EB-5 Investment Opportunity

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 29:53


    On this episode of Investing in the American Dream podcast featured guest Jeff Yamaguchi, Vice President of Real Estate with the Robert Green Company, discusses the new EB-5 investment opportunity, TALUS at the SilverRock resort located in the Coachella Valley in La Quinta California.  In this episode, we discuss project Location, Need/Demand, Construction Status, FPP's Partnership with the Developer, and why this project is perfect for EB-5 Investors. Contact: Jeff@taluslaquinta.com | Cell: +1 702-510-8231 

    Ep.11_Sonja Clarke Details her Recent Trip to the United States and Highlights the Benefits of an EB-5 Visa Investment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 12:53


    First Pathways Partners' Regional Director of South Africa, Sonja Clarke journeyed to the United States, specifically to our headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this past January where she met IIUSA President and FirstPathway's CEO Bob Kraft. During her visit, Sonja saw firsthand many of FPP's completed EB-5 projects in Milwaukee including the BMO Harris Financial center, Aloft, and Marriot hotels, as well as the site of the Tempo by Hilton, FirstPathways Partners current project. Sonja enjoyed her stay in Milwaukee at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, which is another past project of FirstPathway Partners.

    Ep.10_Sonja Clarke Talks about the Recent Changes to South African Tax Legislation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 7:04


    On March 1st, 2021 the changes to South African financial immigration tax laws prevented South African's from withdrawing retirement funds for a period of three years. Join us as we continue to address all of your questions and concerns around exiting...

    Ep.9_Bruna Canto Shares her EB-5 Knowledge and Personal Experience Immigrating to the United States

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 6:35


    FirstPathway Partners continues to solidify its presence in Latin America by welcoming Bruna Canto as Managing Director. Born in Brazil, Bruna is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Bruna holds dual citizenship in both the United States and...

    Ep.8_ Bob Kraft Shares Positive Insight on the Decoupling of the EB-5 Program from the Omnibus

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 18:39


    EB-5 Program Decoupled from the Omnibus - Why this is an opportunity rather than a challenge as presented by Bob Kraft, IIUSA President, and FirstPathway Partners CEO.

    Ep.7_Immigration 101 with FirstPathway Partners, Dan Wycklendt & Gareth Cliff

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 14:47


    The idea of emigrating comes with many questions. Thankfully, EB-5 expert Dan Wycklendt from FirstPathway Partners has some of your burning questions covered in this interview with Gareth Cliff. FirstPathway Partners helps foreign investors become...

    Ep.6_Fully Redeemed Investor, Asif Chhipa Shares his U.S. Immigration Journey and Insight on the EB-5 Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 14:59


    Newly appointed Managing Director at FirstPathway Partners, Asif Chhipa whose territories cover India and the Middle East, shares his U.S. immigration journey and insight on the EB-5 program process. With over 13 years of experience in business...

    Ep.5_Expedited Approvals from USCIS with Jinhee Wilde and Jennifer Sherer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 30:51


    On today's podcast, we welcome Jinhee Wilde the Founding Partner of WA Law Group, LLC. Jinhee lectures internationally on academic panels and at large industry conferences and on the topic of EB-5 so we are extraordinarily lucky to have her on the...

    Ep.4_Impact of COVID-19 on Global Migration with Ramin Asgard

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 27:29


    Ramin Asgard, VP of Global Business Development shares his thoughts on the impact COVID-19 has had on global migration.

    Ep.3_Bob Kraft Addresses Minimum Investment Rumors and COVID-19 Relief

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2020 23:34


    Bob Kraft addresses the $450,000 minimum with derivative relief rumors, explains what is actually happening in Congress at the present, and shares his insight for an EB-5 future post-COVID-19.

    Ep.2_Jennifer Sherer Discusses Changes to Form I-526 Processing Order

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2020 11:56


    The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced a change to the form I-526 processing order from a first-in, first-out basis. Jennifer Sherer, Senior VP FirstPathway Partners explains what this change means and who is impacted. You can learn more online at www.firstpathway.com

    Ep.1_Featuring Immigration Industry Leader Bob Kraft

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 13:55


    Bob Kraft shares his experience and insight on various immigration through investment programs

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