Can you be more specific? We have immigration judges who make such decisions along with USCIS that determine who gets to change status. There is a huge immigration industry populated by thousands of lawyers who specialize in immigration issues. Once an illegal alien gets into this country it is very difficult to deport them. One of my friends who used to work in DOJ as a lawyer dealing with immigration issues said the saying around the office was, "It is not over until the immigrant wins." She quit because the system was so corrupt. 60% of all people who receive green cards annually are changes in status from people already here.
You don't have a clue as to what the State Department's role is in this process. Once the illegal gets into this country or overstays his/her visa, it is all up to USCIS. Overseas, the State Department just enforces US law. It is not rocket science nor is there much latitude in making any decisions. Domestically, USCIS is in charge.
We need legislation to change the current laws. I am against birthright citizenship, but it is the law of the land. These are not "administrative" decisions.
Unless someone CHALLENGES these decisions they just sit there building up a huge pool of people like the Romneys who could very well not be citizens.
BTW, most people in this status never apply for a passport or have any other reason to demonstrate that they are citizens.
I think we should get tough on the whole crowd. They have perfectly fine countries. Time for them to go back home!