One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question 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.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
