Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted 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 an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful 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 right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes 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 placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
