.Dear jibatma, Let me tell you something by saying, she is in big trouble IF she fails to gain her status in US. She is already barred from entering US for another 10 years, due to her absence in maintaining the status for over six month period of time. If she gets caught for some reason, even by travelling by Greyhound, they can tap her and make her out of the country. She is in grave situation, please treat her case very seiously. Her status won't affect her husband status, but if they grill more on her, yes her husband is also subject to criminal prosecution of providing her stay and not reporting her (but this usually don't happen). 2. If she can reinstate her status and get back on her feet, then I advise its worthwhile to take class, otherwise even she does her BS or MS, it won't affect her. The more delay the more problem. She can wait and see if CONGRESS pass any law that makes illegals to gain their status. Otherwise there is no way around. Even you approached lawyer, some might refuse to take the case, as this is treated as a dead-end case.