My friend in Finland is flying to Boston in May. He and 4 Finnish buddies are sailing a private boat from the U.S. back to U.K. for fun. (What an adventure!)

They booked one-way flights from Finland to Boston. He inquired at U.S. embassy in Finland about getting a visa and was told he must have a ticket out of the U.S. before he can get a visa. (Return ticket cannot be to Canada/Mexico.) The five guys are considering buying the cheapest possible tickets out of the U.S. and not using them.

This seems ridiculous to me. Does anyone know if one can get a waiver of the return ticket rule? (I tried to call visa info line today and was directed to call border patrol info line. I tried many times to call there but only got a recording to say that there are too many calls and I should call another time. )

Advice?

Ben in Minneapolis