Originally Posted by
blue_can
On other thing you could try is to apply for a visitor (B) visa. If there is an issue the visa will be denied and you will find out upfront if you may have an issue when you get here.
You can still be denied entry with a visa. And two different departments (State and DHS, respectively) deal with visas and admissibility.
Another thing that people don’t realize about the visa waiver is that you also waive your right to a hearing if the officer decides to deny entry. With a visa you are entitled to a hearing before an immigration official (possibly a judge).
While correct, the hearing will mostly be dealing with issues of law, not fact. I think it unlikely that such a hearing would override a border officer's concern about the reason for entry.