How did Paul de Man return to the United States in 1956 despite lacking a visa and passport?

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In December 1956, Paul de Man returned to the United States with his family by traveling on a Greek freighter. Despite lacking both a visa and a passport, he was able to enter the country because the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) agents present at his arrival were focused on other passengers, allowing him to be waved through without questioning.1