A different friend? Have your friends start posting their own questions so that we can obtain necessary additional information from them.

If they are subject to the two year HRR, they can only presently qualify for a nonimmigrant visa (such as F1) and cannot change their status within the U.S. (unless they get a waiver).

We have no information about this person or what immigration status they might be eligible to receive.

We are not in a position to second-guess this person's immigration lawyer.