Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
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 of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested 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 stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"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 story and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
