Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him 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 please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
