They were lucky to get back on visa waiver with visa denied agaisnt theirname. All they can do is use that time to pack up their possessions, and put home, business and vehicles up for sale. That is the problem with going back to your home country to get your visa renewed, if you get denied you are up the creek. That is why so many people are just extending their I-94 status with USCIS, it landlocks you within the US so if there is an emergency abroad you cannot travel, but at least you can carry on running your business. Going back for a visa renewal is a HUGE risk.