One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly 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 welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, 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 said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to 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 get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
