One adoptee was just a year old 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 went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people 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 US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. 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."
