Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing 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 Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 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
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders 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 stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
