Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
