Walker Invited her to visit the United States. and she did come for two brief visits in 1986 and 1987. Eventually. after their lengthy courtship. Ms. Walker traveled to the United States In May 1987 and was married to Mr. Walker. At that point. Ms. Walker became eligible for permanent residency as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. The problem Is a requirement that an alien who arrives In the United States under a J1 visa return to his or her home country for at least 2 years before establishing permanent residency. When Mr. and Ms. Walker were married. she had been In Argentina for a total of 237 days since returning from her exchange student program.