Lesperance & Associates

Donald Trump has proposed a new $5 million ‘Gold Card’ visa—promising fast-track US citizenship for the ultra-wealthy while allowing them to avoid paying US taxes on their worldwide income. What’s the Pitch? ?? Pay $5M to secure a path to U.S. citizenship ?? No U.S. worldwide tax obligations ?? No Congressional approval needed (according to Trump) The real question: Will Congress approve a special tax break for the ultra-rich? ?? Uncover the deeper insights in this analysis: https://lnkd.in/dsKwPE_K #GoldCardVisa #WealthMigration #USImmigration #ResidencyPlanning #TaxStrategy #InvestorVisa #TrumpPolicy #GlobalMobility

As political uncertainty rises in the US, a wave of high-profile figures and wealthy individuals are securing second passports, foreign residencies, and even moving abroad entirely. The trend has been dubbed the ‘Donald Dashers’—a reference to those actively seeking an exit after Trump’s re-election. It’s not just celebrities—business leaders, entrepreneurs, and HNWIs are following suit, securing #PlanB options in the UK, Canada, and beyond. The ultra-rich have the resources to leave first, but this migration trend could signal a deeper shift in American sentiment. Read more about this topic: https://lnkd.in/e5eGXPJw ?? What do you think? Is this a temporary reaction or the start of a major wealth migration? #SecondCitizenship #WealthMigration #ResidencyPlanning #InvestmentMigration #USExodus

Political shifts aren’t just influencing policy—they’re reshaping migration patterns in America. Wealthy individuals, professionals, and families are no longer just considering an exit strategy. They’re acting on it. We have seen a 9X increase in Americans seeking foreign citizenship and residencies. Many families are acquiring a #secondpassport as #fireinsurance, as the US Secretary of State can easily cancel a passport—making travel and relocation impossible. ??The UK has become a top destination, with a surge in property purchases and visa applications from Americans. ?? Interest in Canada has skyrocketed in inquiries from US business owners. The Tax & Economic Impact: ?? From 2020 to 2021, major US cities lost $68 billion in taxable income due to migration, with Manhattan alone losing $16 billion. ?? These losses disproportionately affected state and local tax revenues, as wealthy individuals took their assets elsewhere. The pandemic changed how people perceive relocation, and now, political uncertainty is accelerating the need for a #PlanB. Dive into the detailed breakdown here: https://lnkd.in/d7uQw_7G Are we witnessing a new wave of American wealth migration? Drop your thoughts below. #WealthMigration #ResidencyPlanning #SecondCitizenship #EconomicCitizenship #USExodus

The #DonaldDashers trend shows that more Americans are not just considering, but actively securing a #PlanB abroad. Based on the recent surge in Americans applying for British citizenship, here are the key reasons driving this migration. Read the full article:?https://lnkd.in/dYnbM3-M Are we witnessing a permanent wealth and talent migration? What’s your take? #SecondCitizenship #USExodus #ResidencyPlanning #InvestmentMigration #WealthMobility

Is Same-Sex Marriage Really Safe in the US? Lessons from Roe v. Wade Anumita Kaur’s recent article downplays the threat to Obergefell v. Hodges, suggesting that attempts to overturn same-sex marriage rights are just "fringe" efforts. But the real concern is buried at the end of her piece—where Ilya Somin states: “I would not worry too much about these bills unless and until at least one actually passes.” Sound familiar? Many said the same about Roe v. Wade, dismissing warnings despite public support for abortion rights. And yet, Dobbs v. Jackson overturned it. Now, the same pattern is emerging with same-sex marriage—state bills, legal maneuvers, and the possibility of a Supreme Court "redo" of Obergefell. For those concerned about potential legal rollbacks, now is the time to plan ahead. Consider securing second residencies or alternative citizenships as a safeguard. If rights are overturned, having a fire escape plan ensures options to relocate to more LGBTQ+-friendly nations. Legal protections shouldn't be left to chance. Read the full?article here: https://lnkd.in/dAxYBg_Q ??If Obergefell falls, what’s next? #SameSexMarriage #SCOTUS #LGBTQRights #LegalFireInsurance

Meme Coins, Politics & The Law – What’s the Real Issue? From Argentina’s memecoin scandal to Trump’s $TRUMP coin, the world of digital assets is the financial Wild West—one that blends hype, politics, and legal gray zones. ?? Argentina’s Meme Coin Scandal: A government-backed cryptocurrency launched with promises of economic revival quickly collapsed, leaving investors with heavy losses. This isn’t the first time a memecoin turned out to be a financial mirage. ?? Trump’s Memecoin Play: Donald Trump not only embraced crypto but launched his own memecoin, raking in at least $350 million in just weeks. While some see this as a genius financial move, others point out serious legal and ethical concerns—especially with potential foreign investors funneling money into a coin directly tied to a political figure. The Real Issue? 1?? Conflicts of Interest: Should a political leader profit directly from speculative assets that can be influenced by their own policies and public statements? 2?? Foreign Influence & Elections: If foreign investors are pouring millions into $TRUMP, does this create an unregulated backdoor for political financing? 3?? Lack of Oversight: With memecoins operating in a legal gray area, who ensures investors aren’t being misled? While crypto is here to stay, the fusion of politics, finance, and blockchain raises urgent questions. Is this just the beginning of a new era in political fundraising, or a ticking regulatory time bomb? Watch Patrick Boyle’s take on the Argentina scandal and meme coins here: https://lnkd.in/d2VBBbj4 What do you think? Are memecoins a financial innovation, a political loophole, or a disaster waiting to happen? #Crypto #MemeCoins #TrumpCoin #Argentina #Regulation #Blockchain #DigitalFinance

“Gold Card” Proposal - A Game Changer or Just Political Theater? President Donald Trump is pushing to replace the EB-5 investor visa with a new "Gold Card" program—one that would require a much higher investment but, in theory, provide a more direct path to US residency. On the surface, this sounds like a streamlined alternative to EB-5. However, as always, the devil is in the details: ?? How long would processing take? ?? Would country quotas be removed? ?? Where is the money actually going—ROI or donation? ?? What are the screening criteria? One particularly bold claim? That “Gold Card” holders would only be taxed on US source income. This would require Congress to redefine US tax residency—a move that seems highly unlikely. Could this be a major shake-up for the investment migration industry, or is it just election-season rhetoric? Explore the full in-depth analysis here: https://lnkd.in/eVPRszND #InvestmentMigration #EB5Visa #Trump #USImmigration

?The Wealthy Are Moving Assets Abroad—But Why Now? A growing number of HNWIs are shifting their wealth, assets, and even residency abroad. But what’s driving this trend? It’s not just politics—it’s about security, diversification, and long-term planning. ?? Political Uncertainty – Some wealthy Americans are hedging against the unknown, fearing potential asset freezes, capital controls, or policy shifts under the new administration. ?? Economic Concerns – Inflation, government debt, and fears over the future of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency are pushing HNWIs to diversify internationally. ?? Global Mobility & Second Citizenship – Demand for residency and citizenship programs has surged over 400% for firms like Lesperance & Associates, as HNWIs look for long-term options. As David Lesperance puts it: "Having money means you have more tools—but also more pain points. The key is not just wealth preservation, but securing a plan that protects both your ‘ass AND assets.’" Foreign bank accounts held by Americans jumped nearly 9% last year, and demand for European, Caribbean, and UAE residency programs is at an all-time high. What’s your take? Is moving assets abroad a smart hedge or unnecessary panic? Explore the full in-depth analysis here: https://lnkd.in/dahbPr3V #WealthManagement #AssetProtection #ResidencyPlanning #SecondCitizenship #EconomicUncertainty #PlanB

Caribbean Moves Toward Unified CIP Regulation The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) has taken a major step in standardizing Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIPs) by appointing legal expert Lydia Elliott to draft legislation for a regional regulator. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity across the region’s CBI offerings. Elliott, with decades of legal experience—including as Legal Advisor to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)—will be leading consultations and shaping the regulatory framework over the next seven months. This development builds on the March 2024 Memorandum of Agreement between Caribbean nations and aligns with key principles agreed upon with the US Treasury to maintain industry standards. What does this mean for investors and stakeholders? ? Greater consumer protection ? Stronger screening processes to safeguard reputations ? A coordinated approach to compliance and application vetting However, industry experts, including David Lesperance, caution that while standardization is critical, there’s a fine line between industry standards of transparency and quality screening and cartel pricing. Elliott will begin stakeholder consultations in March 2025, and the ECCB is inviting public input to shape this framework. What are your thoughts on a regional regulator for Caribbean CIPs? Let’s discuss! #CaribbeanCIP #CitizenshipByInvestment #CBI #SecondCitizenship

The TRUMP Token Controversy A Legal Storm Brewing? The TRUMP memecoin with backing from major industry figures like Mike Novogratz (Galaxy Digital) and Brad Garlinghouse (Ripple)—who lent MoonPay $160 million to manage the overwhelming demand— has exploded onto the market. But while investors are watching its price, legal experts are watching its implications. ?? Could this token pose legal and constitutional risks? With US regulators already tightening their grip on stablecoins, the intersection of crypto and politics is more scrutinized than ever. The US Emoluments Clause prohibits federal officials from receiving financial benefits from foreign entities. With the TRUMP token available to global buyers, does this create potential conflicts of interest? And how will regulators respond given their aggressive stance on digital assets? Drop your thoughts below! Read more about the topic: https://lnkd.in/dUgZx6ZS #CryptoRegulation #Stablecoins #PoliticalFinance