New EB-5 program opens in the Rio Grande Valley

MCALLEN, Texas – A new EB-5 company has launched in the Rio Grande Valley to help immigrants become permanent residents of the United States through investments in commercial business.

The company, formed by businessmen Emilio Guzmán and Ricardo Rubiano, is called Open EB5.

The group’s mission statement is: “To develop transformative real estate projects that redefine communities, drive sustainable economic growth, and create lasting value. We provide global investors with a secure pathway to U.S. permanent residency, while fostering local job creation and

cultivating vibrant, thriving neighborhoods in the Rio Grande Valley.”

EB-5 is the federal government backed Employment Based Fifth Preference Immigrant Investor Visa program. It allows immigrants to become permanent residents of the United States by investing in a commercial business. The program is administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

“In Texas, where economic dynamism meets cultural richness, Open EB5 emerges as a transformative force, connecting global investors to impactful real estate ventures. By aligning strategic investments with pathways to U.S. permanent residency, Open EB5 delivers unparalleled value—not just for investors but for the communities these projects empower,” a press release from Open EB5 states.

Emilio Guzmán

In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Guzmán said Open EB5 has positioned itself as a trusted partner for investors seeking both financial growth and immigration benefits through the U.S. government-backed EB5 program.

Guzmán listed the key benefits. They are:

* Permanent Residency for Families: Includes the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.

• Flexibility and Freedom: Live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S
• Financial Peace of Mind: Diversify portfolios in a stable, dollar-based economy
• A Pathway to Citizenship: Become eligible for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency.

Guzmán holds a degree in international relations and has earned an executive certificate from Harvard Business School in Real Estate Capital, Partnerships, and Portfolios. Asked about his experience, Guzmán said he has facilitated the creation of thousands of new jobs, combined efforts to raised more than $300 million from global investors, and contributed to projects valued at over $900 million. He said that with investors from 20 countries, he has ensured seamless access to transformative opportunities, guiding clients through every phase of the process. 

“Our mission goes beyond securing investments; it’s about building trust with our clients. At Open EB5, we are committed to guiding every investor with clarity, transparency, and a personal touch,” Guzmán said.

Ricardo Rubiano with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

For his part, Rubiano said investors can rely on Open EB5’s robust, end-to-end support system—from personalized consultations to securing a green card. He said the company’s current project, Midtown Pharr, exemplifies its mission. A 168-unit multifamily development, the project emphasizes sustainable growth and meaningful community impact, Rubiano explained.

Born and raised in Texas, Rubiano has spent over two decades shaping the real estate landscape of the Rio Grande Valley. He said his portfolio spans multifamily complexes, retail spaces, and large-scale projects that redefine communities. He said he is known for meticulous planning and innovative designs with developments consistently delivering quality and value.

“The Rio Grande Valley represents endless potential, and I’m excited to contribute to its growth through projects that not only generate jobs but also redefine what thriving neighborhoods can look like,” Rubiano told the Guardian. 

Rubiano added that his expertise lies in navigating real estate challenges during economic shifts, ensuring resilient, high-impact outcomes for both investors and residents. He said his mission is: “Building a better Valley.”

Rubiano added: “Open EB5 doesn’t just facilitate investments; it transforms them into tools for change—securing brighter futures for families while revitalizing local economies. Through transparent processes, strategic guidance, and a proven track record of excellence, Open EB5 is redefining what it means to invest with purpose.”

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