newgen.011,

thats a great question.

i know a friend who must have arrived in the states with some type of visa as a child (with parents). my assumption is the family overstayed their visas and are currently out os status. so, this girl in the family left to mexico about 3 years ago (she came to the states about 12 years ago). this past feb she came to visit her parents. and last week she came back to stay. so, this is the conclusion (according to her):

-her visa, which was issued over 10 years ago didn't expire until march 7, 2012 (hence, the reason she came back to the states 2 times in less than a month)
-i asked her: i thought the reason you didn't go to college was because of lack of documentation. she said: yes

so, after this last reply i stopped asking her questions (wanted to see how she did it to explore my possibilities of applying and getting approved for a US visa from canada). I've known her all this time (and her family too)... and there are things to her story that don't make sense... thats why i stopped the conversation here and said thanks.

NOW, in response to your question... I'm guessing the 10 ban doesn't apply to every single person... or perhaps, there are conditions, that if met, allow you to come back to the states earlier... this kinda gave me hope... though i feel my friend was selfish for not sharing... i feel there might be a chance of coming back to the sates soon... will keep you posted and please, newgen.011, keep us posted too!

good luck and i admire your courage for leaving and doing something good for yourself.