One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty 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: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
