Thesis vs Project MS in computer science, which one is better?

[gunslinger]

Here is what I currently know I want or have

Wants:

• I want to work on impressive tech startups, preferably build my own after graduation
• I want to make connections with the most accomplished/ambittious people in both business and tech
• Settle in the U.S and become naturalized eventually after graduation (don't care if this takes years) so I will need to attend the best places to have the best shot of this happening too
• I want to gain a deep understanding of the machine learning field so I can develop novel solutions when building my startup in the future
• I want to make lots of connections with academics and industry professionals so I can build a network I can work with when I want to start a company

Haves:

• 2 years of fullstack app development experience working for remote companies
• CGPA of 3.7 from Iraq’s top American university
• 113/120 on TOEFL
• Built one of the most impactful student organizations in the region and helped hundreds of students improve their lives and get into tech, this included raising funding and coordinating student-led bootcamps on campus for students (lots of leadership and management experience)
• Built a startup/app and a large competitor tried to acquire us, we refused and are now failing but the experience is beyond valuable

Here is why I think thesis based masters is better:

- Easier funding

- More opportunities to meet geniuses and learn from them

- Higher chance of getting published and in turn be able to stay in the states as someone "distinguished"

I have done some reading online and on this sub yet I am still unsure, I know PhDs are for dedicated people so I am steering clear of that. I genuinely enjoy both research and industry work equally, even though research activities I have done are simple, I would enjoy doing stuff like this on a higher level if the perks I mentioned were included.

Please tell me what you think!