Can you get green card to start a business?

Your friend may be interested in the EB-5 investment immigration program in the US under which green cards can ultimately be given for persons who have invested at least $500,000 in a regional investment center, or a business in an area of high unemployment or rural area. Otherwise he could invest $1 million in a business without geographic limitations. The investment would necessarily lead to the hiring of 10 US workers. A conditional green card can usually be given in approximately 1 – 2 years, and he could apply to remove the conditional basis of the green card within the 90 day period before the second anniversary of the granting of the conditional residence. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

Yes, it is possible if the investment is large enough.  For a green card, the minimum investment is $500K.