Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says 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
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple 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 still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned 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.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes 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're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
