Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on 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 Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But 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 lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
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 put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
