How and why is this done?
As a result of an earlier post, I now know some illegals can apparently apply for green cards if they satisfy certain "prerequisites" such as having been in the country long enough and having family members who are citizens and who would be "negatively impacted" if their illegal relative was deported.
Is that what you're referring to, or are there other ways?
In my opinion, all illegals need to be deported. Then they can go through the process of entering this country legally.
I don't can't about the hardship on their relatives. If they had come here legally to begin with, there would be no hardship.