Its objectively better in every way. He may not even be out the cost of a flight (if he didn't buy it yet -- and even if he did, he may still be able to use it)

Its objectively better in every way. He may not even be out the cost of a flight (if he didn't buy it yet -- and even if he did, he may still be able to use it), he won't have to wait around in a terminal or a detention center for an unscheduled return flight, he'll have the opportunity to appeal and, assuming he's really not trying to immigrate, gather the documentation required to prove that and he should be permitted a visa.