Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
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 started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, 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 put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
