Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon 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 American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, 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 always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, 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. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
