Natasha, Ask her to try at Consulate office in New York, instead of DC. I don't see any reason why they won't issue her passport. They're not US immigration employee, so they shouldn't be concerned about her legal status in the US. Good luck to her! Like Newlynew mentioned, I had one funny experience at TIA. Ten years ago, US embassy only issued 1 yr multiple entry visa for students, and rest would depend on supporting immigration documents like I-20. When I went back to Nepal in 1997, the immigration officer at TIA flipped over some pages and said, "tapaiko visa ta sakiyeko racha ni. Americama Illegal po basnu bahyecha." I was quite shocked by his remarks. At the same time, I chuckled at him. I didn't think it was necessary to explain him all about US visa... hehe!! I just sarcastically replied, " Ho nita dai! aba illegal kati basnu bhanera afanai desh farkeko." He didn't say a word afterward. He stammed my passport and let me go. I thought how absurd our immigration officers are.