One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in 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 left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
