I have a friend who was here legally, was working and providing for his family, paying taxes. He was not getting welfare, medicaid, nor any other type of public assistance. Yet, he was deported because he missed ONE appointment to renew his visa and he is denied entrance into the US for 10 years. As a result, his family (wife was born in US, kids too) have had to uproot themselves, leave behind friends and family here, in order to be with him in Mexico.

Your friend can still apply for a visa and may be allowed tor return before the 10 year period. All he has to do is to disclose on the application that he has been deported previously and give the reason why. I know someone who had a similar experience and he was able to reutrn to the states months after being deported.