Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 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 kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in 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 a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
