Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without 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, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. 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 fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented 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 ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
