One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by 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.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
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're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
