I agree with freedom. When my parents came here in tourist visa, they were granted 6 months stay in the port of entry. Then they had to request for extension before the end of that 6 months deadline. Then they were granted for another 6 months. The maximum period one can stay is one year. After one year, they must leave US and then can re-enter. But they cannot stay here for 5 years in a stretch even if visa was granted for 5 years.