Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted 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 left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"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 courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
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 expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will 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 time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
