Could Elon Musk's DOGE Team Target USCIS Next? Here’s What’s at Stake

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

DOGE has shown no official intention to target USCIS as of February 18, 2025, though implications of interference remain significant.
USCIS processed 8.8 million applications in 2022; disruptions could delay green cards, visas, and work permits for millions.
DOGE interventions could bring legal challenges, stricter immigration reviews, and jeopardize H-1B visas, global relations, and national security processes.

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been making waves recently by advocating to take control of federal agencies such as USAID, the Treasury Department, and the Department of Education. Given this backdrop, attention is now turning to whether DOGE might target United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While there’s no official indication as of February 18, 2025, that Musk or DOGE intends to focus on USCIS, the implications of such an action could be significant. USCIS is responsible for administering the immigration system, making any potential interference here a matter of broad concern.

The Unique Challenge of USCIS

Could Elon Musk’s DOGE Team Target USCIS Next? Here’s What’s at Stake

Taking control over USCIS would present a unique set of challenges different from Musk’s moves with agencies like USAID or the Treasury Department. USCIS is not an independent body—it functions as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Established through Congressional approval, DHS makes the administration and alteration of USCIS subject to strict legal and constitutional guidelines.

DOGE has implemented a clear pattern in its efforts to manage various agencies. For example, when targeting USAID, DOGE focused on installing loyalist leaders, controlling critical operations, and even shutting down facilities. If these tactics were aimed at USCIS, they could trigger severe disruptions. Processes under USCIS include approving green cards, citizenship applications, and work permits—services relied upon by millions of immigrants.

In fiscal year 2022 alone, USCIS received approximately 8.8 million applications and petitions. It is crucial to maintain the seamless operation of this massive system to ensure immigrants are not left in a state of limbo. A takeover by DOGE would risk stalling or halting these processes entirely, creating uncertainty for millions of individuals and families.

Potential Impacts on Immigration Services

If DOGE were to exert control over USCIS, the nation’s immigration framework could face significant challenges, including:

Service Disruptions: With millions depending on USCIS to process visa applications, green cards, and naturalization forms, any delays caused by external interference could result in chaos. Essential applicants, workers, and families navigating the immigration system might face extended waiting times or may not see their cases move forward at all.
H-1B Visa Program Update: Elon Musk has consistently supported legal immigration, especially through employment-focused visas like the H-1B program. In late 2024, Musk even vowed to “go to war” in defense of the program, possibly hinting at a streamlined process under his influence. However, a DOGE-led USCIS role could also bring stricter application reviews, reflecting Musk’s belief in “vetted immigration” only. Such changes could either benefit employers in certain tech-heavy industries or make pathways for H-1B holders more restrictive, creating uncertainty within the job market.
Legal Troubles: Legal battles have already ensnared DOGE’s efforts elsewhere. For instance, USAID workers filed a lawsuit against Musk and DOGE on February 13, 2025, alleging constitutional violations in how DOGE accessed information. Similar lawsuits would likely emerge if attempts were made to assert control over USCIS, as immigration laws are tightly regulated and monitored by various legal safeguards.
Global Relations at Risk: U.S. immigration laws influence international agreements about travel, skills exchange, and migration. A breakdown in USCIS’s administrative capabilities could disrupt these arrangements and damage foreign relations. Future trade deals, labor pacts, or foreign student programs might also be directly affected.
Threat to National Security: A crucial responsibility of USCIS is conducting thorough security screenings and background checks during immigration processing. If DOGE were to disrupt these processes, the potential risk to the nation’s security could not be ignored. Compromises made here might have far-reaching implications for both domestic safety and America’s international standing.

Limitations and Hurdles for DOGE

Despite the speculation, taking over USCIS would be significantly more complicated compared to the agencies DOGE has targeted. Federal immigration agencies operate under a well-defined legal structure based on Congressional mandates. DOGE may face additional challenges in this space due to the following:

Oversight: USCIS operates under stringent oversight from Congress, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and other agencies, making unilateral changes difficult to execute without stepping into legal and constitutional disputes.
Public Resistance: Immigration is always an emotionally charged issue that impacts a wide segment of U.S. society. Any disruptions to immigration services would likely spark public outcry and political resistance from both sides of the aisle.
Clarity in Musk’s Immigration Stance: While Musk has shown support for legal pathways to immigration, he has repeatedly emphasized the dangers of “unvetted immigration.” For example, back in June 2024, he described unrestricted immigration as “a recipe for disaster.” While this reflects Musk’s interest in reforming immigration, it might suggest that a DOGE focus on USCIS would seek to enhance system efficiency rather than dismantle the agency altogether.

Examining Recent Context

Recent developments show why immigration continues to be a hot-button issue under Musk’s influence and President Trump’s agenda. Early February 2025 saw Musk cheering on President Trump’s announced plan to eliminate the Department of Education, demonstrating DOGE’s sustained push to restructure government systems. Moreover, debates on immigration policies remain at the forefront of U.S. governance. In Gallup’s April 2024 poll, immigration topped the list of public concerns, underscoring its significance in national discussions.

Notably, Musk criticized California legislation earlier in 2025 that sought to assist immigrants with serious felony convictions in deportation cases. This adds further context for anyone seeking to understand the philosophical grounding Musk and DOGE may apply if they did focus on USCIS. It also reflects the continued divide between advocacy groups and policy enforcers in the complex landscape of immigration.

Looking Forward

Although there is no indication at this time that DOGE is looking to impact USCIS, stakeholders should remain alert. Immigration policies affect a diverse base—families, students, workers, and employers. Policymakers, advocates, and organizations must closely observe both DOGE’s evolving tactics and Musk’s rhetoric.

If there were any attempts to reshape USCIS, the fallout would likely be swift, spanning service outages, legal battles, and growing concerns on both domestic and global stages. Visa programs like H-1B and green card approvals are cornerstones of how America attracts talent, and any moves to meddle with USCIS threaten this delicate balance.

Conclusion

The possibility of Elon Musk’s DOGE influencing USCIS operations is worth examining given his actions with other federal agencies. However, legal protections, public resistance, and the complex role of USCIS in managing immigration make it a difficult target to disrupt wholesale. For now, USCIS’s structure under DHS and existing checks and balances remains a formidable shield against potential overreach.

Immigration remains a core element of America’s identity, connecting the country to global talent and ideas while supporting millions of families. Any move to compromise this would undoubtedly spark a reaction from varied segments of society, including individuals who stand to benefit from USCIS services. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the focus for all stakeholders should remain on ensuring that America’s immigration system is fair, secure, and efficient for everyone involved.

For guidance and up-to-date official information on services like work permits, naturalization, or green cards, visit the official USCIS website at uscis.gov.

Learn Today

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) → Federal agency managing immigration applications, including green cards, citizenship, and work permits within the U.S.
H-1B Visa → Employment-based visa allowing U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields, such as technology or engineering.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → A U.S. federal department overseeing immigration, security, disaster response, and other national protection efforts.
Naturalization → The legal process through which a foreign citizen becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting specific residence and eligibility requirements.
Congressional Oversight → Monitoring and reviewing of executive actions by Congress to ensure federal agencies comply with laws and operate effectively.

This Article in a Nutshell

Will DOGE Target USCIS?

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could disrupt U.S. immigration if it turns its sights on USCIS. Handling millions of applications annually, USCIS is vital for green cards and citizenship. However, strict legal frameworks and public resistance may shield it from DOGE’s reach, safeguarding crucial processes for millions of immigrants.