Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple 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 abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
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 show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
