Lauren Cohen Of Investing Across Borders: I Am Living Proof Of The American Dream

Confidence: If you don’t believe in yourself and what you bring to the table in your service or business, no one will. It is of the utmost importance that you be confident in what you are doing because confidence alone can open numerous doors even if you don’t see it at first. Don’t be afraid to take the next step in your career because it may be difficult. Do it, and do it with confidence!

Is the American Dream still alive? If you speak to many of the immigrants we spoke to, who came to this country with nothing but grit, resilience, and a dream, they will tell you that it certainly is still alive.

As a part of our series about immigrant success stories, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Cohen, Esq.

Lauren Cohen, Esq. is a Toronto-born serial entrepreneur who has built an accomplished list of credentials to offer seamless visa and investment-oriented business strategies applying her credentials as an International Lawyer, Realtor, Podcaster, and Immigration expert. Her combined depth of knowledge, proven processes, and individual approach create a boutique client-focused experience with her Investing Across Borders team. Now living and serving clients from her headquarters in South Florida, Lauren works with a variety of clients seeking customized, top-tier services worldwide, guiding them in developing sound investment and cross-border strategies designed to address both their business and personal goals.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Thank you so much for having me! Yes, I grew up in a pretty traditional family in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I am not your typical immigrant. I grew up in Canada, a 1st-world, advanced country, and had access to some of the best education and other benefits of growing up in a civilized society. On my first day of law school, I announced that I would one day be Prime Minister of Canada (a goal which I soon abandoned for so many reasons). I have a younger brother with whom I would intermittently be my worst enemy or best friend depending on the day. We were an average middle-class family and always had much fun together.

Was there a particular trigger point that made you emigrate to the US? Can you tell us the story?

I would have to say that when I was in Law school, I realized what emigrating to the U.S. would mean for my career and business expansion. My dreams were big, and going to the U.S. and getting dually licensed in law and becoming a dual citizen would further increase the possibilities of reaching a larger group of people I could help with my services. When I figured that out, my mind was set on what I needed to do with my career.

Can you tell us the story of how you came to the USA? What was that experience like?

Initially, it was because my then-husband was given an opportunity in Florida that seemed too good to be true (and of course it ended up being just that). I thought at the time, “How hard can it be? So many others have done it successfully — I am sure I can too”, but as I moved through the process, there were several realizations and challenges I quickly faced, including figuring out how to build U.S. credit, learning the way Americans do business, a whole new approach to networking and building personal and professional relationships, getting my law license in the U.S., and generally establishing a “place” for myself and re-building my life (from scratch). Moving to America was not as “easy” as it seemed at first! I applied and cultivated my skills of adaptability and flexibility and persevered through the process, and, over time, held a variety of different visas, eventually secured a Green Card, and finally realized my dream of becoming a Dual Citizen in 2012 when my son was two years old. It was not easy, but it was not impossible either.

In the process, I faced significant obstacles like my then-husband’s deportation on the return trip from our honeymoon, which left me devastated. As a result, I felt compelled to find solutions for myself and others, and I knew that I could make a difference, so I turned to the ever-changing world of immigration and international law, and I have been fortunate enough to serve as a concierge quarterback in the field ever since. My superpower rests in paving a path to immigration visas through real estate investments, franchises and other businesses. I always find a way to offer the client the most expedited and efficient way to reach the desired destination.

Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped make the move more manageable? Can you share a story?

There is not really any single person to whom I am grateful in terms of helping me make the move more manageable. When I initially made the move to the U.S. I did it on my own accord and without knowing what I was about to get myself into. As much as I am not proud of it, I gave up and returned to Toronto after three years. As time passed, the snow and my seasonal affective disorder gave me the last push I needed to get out of my hometown. I strapped my boots on and made the move again. I have been living in sunny Florida since and have not looked back for a moment. I am thrilled I made the leap of faith the second go-around, and I truly don’t know where I would’ve been had I not done so.

So how are things going today?

I can genuinely say that I am delighted with how things have been going recently. I continue to expand my businesses, powered by our main Investing Across Borders brand, by spreading the word to ever-increasing numbers of people seeking to invest in and immigrate to the U.S. through investments. I am actually launching an on-demand course which was designed to offer people tools to learn more about the different types of investor visa options and opportunities that the U.S. has made available to prospective investors and immigrants. Since immigration law is a complicated and ever-changing field, this course with various simulations and modules provides individuals with the tools they need to commence their investment and immigration journey.

I also recently co-created Strategic Real Estate Investment which offers those seeking to invest in the U.S. and immigrate through real estate options the opportunity to invest in real estate and secure business investor visas in the process, all with the support and guidance of experienced professionals through every step on the path. I have seen first-hand how difficult it is to start up a Real Estate business, but it is a whole other ball game when trying to do it in a different country with which you are less-than-familiar. Our turnkey Strategic REI “business-in-a-box” guides you through every step of the process without the stress and obstacles in the way.

I am happy to see how my businesses have grown and expanded throughout the years as this allows us to impact more investors in positive ways. However, I have to say that without my support system and my son, I would not have been able to have accomplished most, if not all, of what I have accomplished thus far.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

In 2017, I founded “Find My Silver Lining,” a 501(c)(3) organization that inspires single mothers, working parents, and “momtrepreneurs” to focus on the bright side as they strive to lead fulfilling lives. We offer strategic guidance and advice oriented to simplifying complex business matters to help recipients develop business models and plans, find a work/life balance, and discover their “why”. We also help others develop and grow their non-profit entities as they strive to expand their reach and impact.

I am a firm believer in giving back to the community that helped build me so much into who I am today through mentorship. I am a significant donor to a number of causes, not the least of which is the ALS Association, a horrific disease to which I lost my beloved dad in 2013.

Without my mentors who guided me through the trials of my career, I would not have been as successful as I am. I only hope to have such an impact on my clients, team members and mentees as my mentors and guides have had on me.

You have first-hand experience with the US immigration system. If you had the power, which three things would you suggest to improve the system?

As an immigration attorney, every day, I make a running list of things I would change within the system and how I would reform immigration policy. These are the top three things I would implement immediately if I could:

1. The first thing I would change is to have a direct path from a treaty investor and/or treaty trade non-immigrant visa to a green card after a successful renewal period. After ten years with a treaty investor/trader visa status, I would establish a path towards green card application provided that certain minimum thresholds are met.
2. The second thing I would change would be the fact that adult children of treaty investor/trader visas age out of their parent’s visa once they’re 21 years of age. They would then need to qualify for another type of visa or marry a citizen of the U.S. This creates barriers for many as the application process is complicated, thus making these visas unattainable for those older children. This becomes a much more significant burden for children who have special needs or limitations. I have seen how time and time again, children in these situations are confronted with the dark reality of having to go back to a country they don’t even remember due to a problem within the system itself.
3. The third thing I would change would be to decrease the ques for familial green card application processing through U.S. citizens, especially for children and siblings 12–14 years old. It happens quite frequently that when someone applies for a familial green card, they meet all the requirements, but by the time they have their application processed, they have aged out and no longer qualify. It is disheartening to tell someone that even though they did everything by the book and with ample time, they could not succeed in obtaining their green card due to something entirely out of their control.

Can you share “5 keys to achieving the American dream” that others can learn from you? Please share a story or example for each.

There are countless things one must do to achieve the American dream. But, if I had to name the five most important keys, I believe it would bet the following skill sets:

1. Communication: We communicate in so many ways, from texting to phone calls; we nonstop communicate with others. When you do, it’s essential to know your audience, but most importantly, to be respectful. I cannot tell you how many times a person has been rude intentionally and even unintentionally. You will confront many challenges, but it is essential to keep in mind to never respond out of anger. Take a second to cool down, and remember, you are always talking to another person. Be kind to others, and don’t burn bridges unnecessarily.
2. Confidence: If you don’t believe in yourself and what you bring to the table in your service or business, no one will. It is of the utmost importance that you be confident in what you are doing because confidence alone can open numerous doors even if you don’t see it at first. Don’t be afraid to take the next step in your career because it may be difficult. Do it, and do it with confidence!
3. Work-life Balance: Having such a balance is crucial for mental health. Many people who strive for success neglect this aspect, and it later comes to haunt them in more ways than one. Don’t be one of them. Success does not mean you have to give up the things you love. Spending quality time with your family and friends is essential. Please don’t ignore these emotional connections in your daily struggles because they will be your support system whenever you need them most. Cultivate these relationships and let them become part of your success.
4. Prioritization: You will have to learn how to juggle multiple things at once — this is not a task unknown to most of us. However, to perfect the multitasker from within is to perfect the skill of prioritizing. Setting a list of tasks and events you prioritize and moving things around will save you from a mental breakdown. Don’t be afraid to say, “no, I can’t meet with you Monday, but I can meet with you Wednesday.” No one expects you to be available 24/7. You’re only human — don’t put that much pressure on yourself.
5. Be Reliable & Punctual: No one likes to waste their time or feel like someone is wasting theirs. When it comes to business, word of mouth spreads like wildfire. The easiest way to keep your customers happy is by being reliable and always punctual. Being reliable does not mean that you are always available — like I said, you are only human. Being reliable means that when you say you will do something by a given date, you accomplish what you promised. Don’t make false promises if you are unsure whether you can achieve them. Unreliability to your customers can become the death of your business.

We know that the US needs improvement. But are there 3 things that make you optimistic about the US’s future?

Yes, just like any other country, the U.S. can improve. I believe the following will be seen in the lands near future:

1. The Real Estate Industry: I learned early on that there was a lack of female representation in the real estate industry. As time passed and the industry evolved, I see how more women have taken a seat at the table and acquired leadership roles — but there is still much more to be done. I am optimistic that the male-dominated real estate industry will no longer be as such, and females will obtain the roles they need and deserve.
2. Immigration Policy: I see how immigration policy is in a constant ebb and flow — but more so in recent years. With every few years of drastic immigration reform comes a period of little to no change. Hopefully, immigration reform will soon reach that period of calm that immigration attorneys seek. We want as much stability in immigration policy as our clients do.
3. More opportunities for Single Mothers: The U.S. thrives and is widely-recognized, even in the post-COVID era, as the land of opportunities for small and large businesses. However, I have seen time and time again single mothers giving up on their professional dreams for the sake of their children. With COVID having been declared an endemic, businesses are now looking at new and innovative ways to maintain their employees and clientele — most of these looking towards embracing people and the many facets of life they bring, including their families and needs. I believe that soon being a single mother will no longer mean you will feel the need to sacrifice your entire profession for the sake of taking care of your children. With Finding My Silver Lining, I see how things are improving and the improvement that will continue to be fostered.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

There are a few people on that list. I will give you three of them: Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Corcoran, and Jeff Bezos. They have inspired me to thrive in my business and never stop reaching for what has been told to me as unattainable. They have made great strides in their industries, and I seek to follow with strides of my own.

What is the best way our readers can further follow your work online?

There is a multitude of ways they can follow my work. They can go to the company website, https://ecouncilglobal.com, and https://investingacrossborders.net, or my linked in at linkedin.com/in/ecouncilinc.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

Thank you so much for having me; it has been a fantastic experience.