My parents had multipe entry US Visa. When they came in 2000, they ended up staying longer than 6 months. I wrote to Immigration to extend their stay. Formal extension was denied - but they were requested to leave US by the date they wanted to leave. Long story short, their multiple entry visa was cancelled and we did not know.
Next time they planned to come to US, they boarded the plane from India because the VISA on their passport was not cancelled. When they landed in US, they were told that you don't have VISA. My dad was asked how long he planned to stay and he said about 6 months. My parents were requested to sit on one side until the officer had time to do the necessary paper work. After half and hour, he explained my dad that VISA can be issued in the foreign countries only. Given they were already in US, officer cannot issue them a VISA. I don't remember the precise clause, but in summary, he gave them a VISA exception to say in US for 6 months. I felt great to be a US Citizen - where my parents were given full respect and support.
