One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional 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 merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
