One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove 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 lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, 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 courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care 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 fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
