Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."